The inaugural Peer-to-Peer Learning Programme focusing on climate finance and resilience concluded with great success and a positive outcome, leaving participants inspired and motivated to continue their efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
The program brought together around twenty representatives from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, who engaged in a series of fruitful and power-packed sessions while visiting selected businesses in Fiji.
The primary objective of this program was to enhance knowledge in climate finance and resilience within the private sector.
It aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complex landscape of climate change financing, as well as to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among Pacific Island nations.
The feedback received from the participants at the conclusion of the program was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.
There was a unanimous call to continue this peer-to-peer learning initiative in the future, as its impact was evident in the transformative experiences shared by the participants.
During the closing ceremony, Dr Filimon Manoni, deputy secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, addressed the participants and guests, highlighting the significance of the program in the broader context of the region’s long-term vision.
He emphasised the importance of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a collective blueprint endorsed by Pacific leaders to advance regionalism over the next three decades.
Dr Manoni emphasized the need to address the multitude of threats and risks faced by the Pacific, including the pressing issue of climate change.
The program was a direct response to the Pacific Forum Economic Ministers Meeting’s decision to facilitate sharing and learning among the private sector across the region.
It aimed to empower businesses and organisations to play a pivotal role in building climate resilience and finding innovative financial solutions to combat climate change.
Florian Rhiza Nery, the Network Co-ordination Specialist of the Connecting Business Initiative, was also present at the program’s closing. Ms Nery commended the participants for their insightful week of learning and knowledge exchange.
She expressed her happiness at witnessing the incredible amount of learning that had taken place during the peer-to-peer sessions and stressed the importance of continuing this collaborative approach in the future.
During the conclusion of the peer-to-peer program, the participants were given the chance to express their learning experiences to both the guests and fellow participants.
Gordon Denty, managing director, Insights Pacific Ltd from Solomon Islands, expressed how much he gained from visiting various businesses during the program.
He was astounded by the resilience of the people in Fiji and their ability to develop strategies to overcome challenges caused by climate change, such as hurricanes.
Mr Denty considered this program an excellent platform for sharing ideas and encouraged the establishment of more similar initiatives.
He affirmed his intention to share his experiences upon returning home.
Karunesh Rao, chair of the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council (FBDRC), extended his gratitude to the participants and expressed his satisfaction in being part of the entire program.
He viewed it as a valuable opportunity for the FBDRC and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) to collaborate and host participants from other Pacific nations, facilitating a collective learning process.
The success of the First Peerto-Peer Learning Programme on climate finance and resilience is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the participants, organisers, and stakeholders involved.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, this program has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives that will drive sustainable development and climate resilience across the Pacific region.
As the threats of climate change continue to loom large, such collaborative efforts will be vital in ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all Pacific Island nations.
This valuable collaboration between the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council (FBDRC), and other partners, including businesses, made this program possible.
We extend our gratitude to the European Union funded Intra- ACP GCCA+ Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience Building (PACRES) for their generous funding support.
• Anishma Prasad is the communications officer for the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
