Climate change poses a serious existential threat to humanity especially for the Pacific Island Countries including Papua New Guinea (PNG), they remain the most vulnerable in the region.
In response to this challenge, China and Pacific Island countries in the last two weeks converged in two significant events to address climate challenges in the Pacific under the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation.
These events, the ‘Second China-Pacific Island Countries Workshop on Climate Change’ and a ‘High-level Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Dialogue,’ were held in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China where representatives from Pacific Island Countries including PNG participated.
Discussions at these events were centred on climate governance, regional responses to climate change, impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, marine ecology, ocean governance and other significant climate change related issues.
During the dialogue, China highlighted its commitment to supporting developing countries in the region through the south-south cooperation through assistance such as capacity-building, technology transfer, financial support and research.
This builds on from the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation Centre (CPICCACC), which was launched in April 2022.
China’s commitment stands as a testament to intensify China’s response to climate change in the region after a decade of dedicated research.
Participants from the Pacific Island Countries shared similar sentiments, acknowledging that the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation is essential for addressing immediate challenges posed by climate change, promoting international collaboration, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable and shared future and must be supported.
Ms. Jealchris Inji, from the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) PNG, expressed gratitude at the high-level dialogue, saying, it was an honour for Papua New Guinea to be part of these events.
“Our presence reaffirms our country’s support towards addressing climate change by joining hands with Pacific Islands sister countries.”
In her expert presentation at the High-Level Dialogue, she emphasized the importance of collaborative approach in addressing climate change.
“Despite how many thousands of miles apart; we all as Pacific Island countries share the same ocean; we breathe the same air.”
“We are just one people living on one planet, and our children will share the same future together.”
She said this must be the drive for the entire entire world to collaboratively address climate change.