The Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP) kicked off in January 2024 and what a year it was!
The CFCSP implementation team engaged with 15 Pacific countries early in the year, visiting 14 countries, with one engagement held in New Zealand. Across these visits, the team worked with 189 Pacific government ministries and/or divisions, NGOs, private sector entities, and other organisations. We deeply appreciate the time these organisations contributed during initial discussions and in the subsequent development of country work plans.
All 15 Pacific country work plans have been developed or are undergoing final refinements. These work plans reflect the partnerships established with each country and their unique contexts and priorities as they work to deliver on their climate action goals.
As of the end of 2024, 210 requests for support had been received across the 15 countries, with 77 prioritised for action and 16 personnel mobilised across 7 countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga. The remaining 61 prioritised requests are at different stages, including the drafting of position terms of reference, interviewing, contracting or onboarding, and are expected to be in place in the first part of 2025.
Tailored solutions, genuine partnerships
The CFCSP’s engagement and partnerships with 15 Pacific countries reinforces that there is no single approach to climate finance readiness or climate action. Each country is unique, with differing levels of expertise, human resources, and experience in accessing, managing and reporting on climate finance. Their priorities also vary in terms of immediate, medium and long-term goals.
This is evident in the variety and number of support requests, as presented bellow.
Suva office established and programme frameworks in place
Between country engagements, the CFCSP team established an office in Suva and developed the full suite of programme processes and strategies required to ensure smooth operations and quality delivery. These include operations manuals, a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion Strategy, a Monitoring, Evaluation, Reflection and Learning Plan and a Communications Strategy.
Responsive recruitment
With programme set-up complete, the second half of 2024 saw the CFCSP transition from inception to implementation. DT Global’s recruitment specialists mobilised to identify and place high-calibre candidates as the CFCSP responded to support requests from our Pacific Partners.
Some positions required seasoned climate experts, while others focused on developing national expertise through early-career appointments. In some instances, experienced Pacific climate professionals returned to their home countries after international assignments, further contributing to the region’s leadership on climate action.
Looking forward to 2025
While we have taken the time to reflect on the achievements of 2024, the CFCSP team is preparing for the challenges of 2025. As more Pacific nations ready themselves for climate finance, the CFCSP will work alongside our partners as they develop the systems, skills and autonomy to plan and deliver climate action aligned with their context and vision.
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Feature image: Some of the CFCSP team members in the Suva office. From left – CFCSP Team Leader, Jeremy Cole; Implementation Lead – Public Financial Management and Public Investment Management, Stephen Boland; Administration, Logistics and Finance Officer, Poonam Prasad; Capacity Building Officer Leimor Penjueli; Implementation Lead – Climate Change, Noa Seru.