NDCs 3.0 Regional Forum & Regional Capacity-Building Workshop on Carbon Pricing and Article 6 Training for the Pacific

• Ms. Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Resources and Environment (MNRE), Samoa 
• Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General, SPREP
• Mr. Perumal Arumugam, Manager, Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction subdivision, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC secretariat 
• Mr. Deo Gabinete, Regional Manager, NDC Partnership 
• Ladies and gentlemen

Talofa lava and warm Pacific greetings to you all,

It is my great honor, on behalf of the UN system in Samoa and in the Pacific, to add my voice in welcoming you to this NDCs 3.0 Regional Forum and Regional Capacity-Building Workshop on Carbon Pricing and Article 6 Training for the Pacific. 

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, and dear participants. As we all know, the Pacific nations, despite contributing only a negligible amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, bear a disproportionate burden of climate change impacts. This places our region at the very frontline of the global climate crisis.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, Pacific nations including our gracious host Samoa have shown extraordinary leadership and resilience. They have been proactive in developing ambitious climate strategies, both in reducing emissions and in enhancing adaptation to the changing climate.

Every Pacific Island Country has taken steps to outline their commitments through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with many updating these to reflect even greater ambitions. This is not just a reflection of the urgency felt within the region but also of a deep commitment to global climate goals. 

However, these efforts come with significant challenges, particularly in terms of accessing the necessary resources, technology, and data to effectively monitor and implement these strategies.

The upcoming submission of the next generation of NDCs, the NDCs 3.0 in 2025 offers a critical opportunity to align our actions with the goals of the Paris Agreement and to push for more substantial, transformative changes in our climate response. 

It is essential that these efforts are backed by sufficient financial resources, technological innovation, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure that every nation, particularly those in the Pacific, can contribute effectively to global climate action.

This workshop is an important step towards achieving these goals. It is an opportunity to co-create solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of our Pacific Island Countries.

The UN Secretary General has mobilized the whole UN system to support countries in their efforts to develop NDCs 3.0 including leveraging UNDP’s climate promise which has supported over 125 countries globally in the last round of NDC. Support to the NDCs 3.0 is a key priority of the UN system in the Pacific and we look forward to working with the partners present in supporting the Pacific governments in this important process.

I would like to thank all the co-organizers - UNFCCC secretariat, SPREP, the NDC Partnership, UNEP and UNDP for bringing us together for this important talanoa.

As we move forward this week, I urge all of us to keep in mind the urgency and importance of our work. The challenges are immense, but so too is the determination of the Pacific people to protect their homes, communities and their futures. With the right support, partnerships, and commitment, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Thank you, and I look forward to our productive discussions and the actionable outcomes that will arise from this workshop.

Fa’afetai tele lava.