Representatives from 14 Pacific Island countries will gather in Port Vila from 1 to 3 July for the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate Change and Environment.

The forum, hosted by the Vanuatu Government, V-Lab and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), will bring together climate experts, government officials and stakeholders to discuss solutions to climate change and environmental challenges facing the Pacific.

Organisers say the event will focus on climate resilience, environmental protection and renewable energy, while showcasing innovative approaches already being used across the region.

Chairman of the forum task force, Nelson Kalo, said Pacific countries face many of the same climate and environmental threats and can learn from each other’s experiences.

Across the Pacific, there are innovative solutions already being implemented. This forum will provide an opportunity to showcase those solutions through panel discussions, site visits and presentations, allowing governments and communities to learn from each other and apply successful approaches to their own climate and environmental challenges.”

Kalo said the forum will focus on three main themes: building climate resilience, strengthening environmental management, and promoting renewable energy and a just transition.

“The first focus area is building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change across different sectors. We will also look at environmental protection and management, and finally at renewable energy and a just transition. Many Pacific countries face similar challenges, so solutions that work in one country can often be adapted and applied in another.”

The theme of this year’s forum is Champions of Innovation for a Sustainable and Resilient Future, reflecting the role of Pacific governments, organisations and communities in addressing climate and environmental challenges.