SUVA, Fiji : The Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Hub has released its 2024 Achievements Booklet, detailing progress in helping Pacific Island countries (PICs) meet their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The report, highlights key achievements in policy alignment, climate finance mobilization, and regional collaboration.

The NDC Hub assisted Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea in updating and implementing their NDCs. For the first time, several nations have integrated robust adaptation targets alongside mitigation strategies. Sectors like waste management and agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) have also been incorporated into national climate action plans.

The report highlighted investment plansin Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu identifying a combined need for $2.3 billion. The plans, according to the report outline priority mitigation and adaptation projects, serving as blueprints to attract investors and financial backing.

To ensure effective access to climate finance, the Hub supported the alignment of national policies with carbon market strategies. This includes Fiji’s draft Climate Change Bill and Revised Forest Bill, which are designed to strengthen the country’s participation in global climate finance mechanisms. The Solomon Islands has also received assistance in preparing its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, a key step toward securing investment in climate resilience.

According to the Hub, their work on aligning national policies with climate goals was a success. For example, Palau’s Energy Efficiency Regulation, supported by the Hub, is expected to help the country achieve a 35% energy efficiency target by 2025.

By working with partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the NDC Hub maximized resources and streamlined climate initiatives across the region.

The NDC Hub’s demand-driven approach ensures that each country’s needs guide its work. By focusing on national ownership and long-term sustainability, the Hub has strengthened institutional capacity across the Pacific.

A key part of this strategy is transparent reporting. The Hub has assisted countries such as Tonga, the Marshall Islands, and Fiji in developing Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, allowing them to accurately report climate progress to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

They prioritized gender and social inclusion, ensuring climate action benefits marginalized communities. For example, a biogas system installed in Vanuatu schools has provided clean energy access to 1,073 students, 54% of whom are female, while also reducing emissions.

As Pacific nations continue to navigate economic challenges, they promoted green entrepreneurship and investment pipelines to support a sustainable economic recovery. By linking climate action with capacity building, the region is positioned to “recover forward” while embedding climate resilience into national development strategies.

The report concludes with key lessons for sustainable climate action in the Pacific: national ownership, demand-driven initiatives, strong partnerships, and investment in local expertise remain essential for long-term success.

With its commitment to being “by the Pacific, for the Pacific,” the NDC Hub will continue working with island nations to advance ambitious climate action and build a more resilient future.

Read the full report here: Pacific NDC Hub Achievements Booklet 2024.

Podcast also available on PocketCasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.

Leave a comment