By Ednal Palmer, In-Depth Solomons
Pacific Island countries have been urged to stand united in the fight against climate-induced loss and damage, as a two-day regional dialogue concluded in Apia, Samoa.
Closing the discussions, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Climate Change Director, Tagaloa Cooper called on delegates to move forward collectively.
“When you walk alone, you walk fast, but when we walk together, we’ll walk far. We are in this together,” she said.
The dialogue, which began on August 11, brought together Pacific governments, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector. Its goal was to collectively advance the region’s priorities on loss and damage (L&D) — an issue deemed by participants as existential, painful, and already happening.
Discussions highlighted that beyond economic losses, climate change is threatening the Pacific’s identities, cultures, places, and natural heritage. Delegates stressed that young people will bear the brunt of the crisis and must play a central role in response efforts.
A key takeaway was the urgent need for robust data to strengthen the region’s case for assistance and to tell the stories of loss and damage effectively. Participants also noted encouraging progress, with national L&D funds beginning to emerge.
SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Advisor, Filomena Nelson summarised the momentum, saying, “The paddling has begun.”
She noted that showcased projects across various countries are improving understanding of community-level L&D, but emphasised that flexible and responsive financing is critical to meeting local needs and priorities.
The two days focused on deepening awareness, identifying solutions, and charting practical pathways for action — including building capacities, developing policies, setting priority actions, and unlocking finance.
The closing of the dialogue leads into the next three days of stakeholder roundtables under the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR). This segment will give participants the chance to share experiences, strengthen networks, and explore new partnerships.
As the region faces increasing climate threats, the call from Apia is clear: walk together, share knowledge, and act decisively — because the Pacific’s future depends on it.
The Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 is held from 11-12 August at Taumeasina Island Resort. It follows the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage, held from 7- 8 August, at the same venue in Samoa.
The Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 and the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage are made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
Hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the dialogues bring together Pacific governments, youths, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector to collectively advance the region’s priorities on Loss and damage.
This story was produced by the Pacific Media Team covering the meetings. Their attendance is made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
For more information, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson [email protected] , SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer, Ms Jessica Rodham [email protected] or Media and Public Relations Officer, Mr Keni Lesa [email protected]