As host of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF55) Leaders Meeting earlier this month, Palau helped lead important regional conversations on climate action, renewable energy, climate finance and Pacific priorities ahead of COP31.
Regional events such as these are a huge undertaking, requiring a whole of government, civil society and non-governmental organisation approach. At the Palau Office of Climate Change (OCC), Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP) personnel Tim Murphy and Steve Moruri supported their colleagues to prepare and deliver PIF55, helping their government counterparts to plan for important regional discussions while fostering international partnerships that will continue to deliver benefits long after the Forum’s conclusion.
“Being embedded in the Office of Climate Change has allowed us to move beyond advisory roles and become part of the day-to-day work. This sustained on-the-ground presence allows us to support in turning regional priorities into national action, and would not be possible without the continued support of New Zealand MFAT through the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme.”
– Steve Moruri, Green House Gas (GHG) Data Analyst, OCC
In the lead-up to the Forum, Steve and Tim, a Mitigation Specialist, supported the OCC in the planning and delivery of PIF55 side events, helping shape discussion agendas and providing logistical and communications support. They collaborated with Global Green Growth Institute Palau’s Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency project team and a French delegation to support the side event From Communities to National Action: Building Climate Resilience across the Blue Pacific. Their contribution helped integrate presentations from partners and ensure a cohesive programme that attracted strong attendance throughout the event.
PIF55 was also a chance to help raise the profile of Palau’s work with international donors and partners. Building on relationships developed during the Forum, Tim and Steve are now supporting discussions with Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute on a proposed climate research partnership. The initiative would strengthen climate research and scientific collaboration with the OCC while supporting Palau’s long-term climate objectives.
Cecilia Quaglino, NAP Project Manager with the OCC, said hosting PIF55 was an important opportunity for Palau to bring its climate priorities to regional discussions, and strengthen cooperation with Pacific neighbours.
“For our team at the Office of Climate Change, PIF55 provided a platform to share Palau’s experience, from our ambitions for energy security to our urgent adaptation needs. The presentation of UNEP’s ‘Limiting Overshoot’ report to Pacific leaders reinforced the importance of keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach, with net-zero commitments translated into action. Here in Palau, leaders called for bold action: to pursue development that limits pollution while preparing our communities for a profoundly different climate future. The work ahead requires sustained regional cooperation and international support. We cannot do this alone. We need a united Pacific.”
– Cecilia Quaglino, NAP Project Manager, OCC
Another significant outcome from PIF55 for Palau was the launch of the nation’s roadmap to achieve 100% renewable electricity generation by 2032. In the lead-up to PIF55, Tim and Steve both contributed extensively to the development of the renewable energy plan through aerial photography, technical analysis, project costings, and translating complex energy concepts into practical language for decision-makers and stakeholders. The roadmap represents an ambitious vision for Palau’s energy future and aligns closely with regional discussions on accelerating renewable energy across the Pacific.
In addition, the pair also provided communications support throughout the week, with Tim helping to boost Palau’s stocks of climate-related imagery. A number of these photographs were featured in the OCC’s visual exhibition in Melekeok, which highlighted stories from communities around Palau and showcased both the challenges posed by climate change and the actions already underway to address them.
The wide-ranging contributions made by Tim and Steve reflect the strength of CFCSP’s embedded support model. By working alongside government counterparts and responding to emerging priorities, Tim and Steve are helping turn regional conversations into practical outcomes that strengthen Palau’s climate resilience, capacity and leadership across the Pacific region.
Photo captions
- Above right; OCC’s visual exhibition in Melekeok.
- Below; an image of a hermit crab captured by a drone camera
Photo credits: Tim Murphy
