The Global Green Growth Institute, together with GIZ, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) are among a group of partners working together to create a new initiative aimed at assisting Pacific island countries with achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Consultations on the design of the initiative, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, were held from 12-14 March 2018 as part of the 3rd Pacific Regional Dialogue on NDCs in Suva, Fiji. Country government officials, regional organizations, and civil society participated in the workshop to provide their inputs on the structure and activities of the planned Hub.
The workshop included representatives from across the Pacific
GGGI Regional Representative Katerina Syngellakis facilitated the workshop session on the details of the Hub, including purpose and objectives, organization design, governance, and technical assistance activities. GGGI also co-organized a business breakfast on the sidelines of the consultation with the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organization (PIPSO). The breakfast featured presentations by local businesses on initiatives related to green growth and climate resilience, and a discussion of how the private sector could be best involved in the NDC Hub. Conclusions from the discussion were then reported back during the workshop discussions.
GGGI's Katerina Sygellakis leads the workshop session on the NDC Hub
Representatives at the workshop agreed in principle on the details and activities of the Hub, and next steps include finalization of the Hub organizational design and recruitment of staff, with operations targeted to begin later this year.
A key outcome of the workshop was the request that the Hub facilitate exchange of national experiences on NDC Implementation, including links to gender issues, NDC revisions, and long-term strategy. In particular, attendees expressed a need for identification of concrete opportunities for action to achieve NDC targets, especially in the energy sector. Facilitating private sector engagement and assistance with access to financing will also be important focus areas for the Hub. Specific activities will include gathering case studies and best practices from across the Pacific region, supporting Pacific SIDS countries in Talanoa Dialogue (part of the COP23 process), and conducting online training and webinars on NDC-related topics.