Building Climate Resilience with the Pacific Islands

As an island-state, Singapore faces growing challenges brought about by climate change. Similarly, the Pacific Island region, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural richness, is also significantly affected by environmental vulnerabilities, including flooding due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events and degradation of marine ecosystems.

Recognising the potentials for collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to build resilience and sustainability in our respective homes, Singapore recently hosted a week-long training under the Singapore Cooperation Programme from 27 to 31 May 2024. 16 officials from eight Pacific Island Forum states/territories participated in this programme to explore solutions to address these pressing challenges. These states include Fiji, French Polynesia, the Kingdom of Tonga, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre of Liveable Cities (CLC), this is the first part of a three-year modular programme focused on ‘Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability’, designed to serve as a platform to inspire innovative solutions, foster strategic partnerships, and empower leaders with strategic approaches and insights needed to navigate the complexities of climate change. The programme offers a practitioner-based curriculum that connects policy with practical applications based on Singapore’s development experiences. ‘Climate Resilience” is one of the three pillars under the Singapore-Pacific Resilience and Knowledge Sharing (SPARKS) Package.

In Module 1, participants delved into topics ranging from integrated master-planning and building climate-resilient infrastructure to community engagement and green transportation. Participants also witnessed first-hand applications of policies and theories of climate resiliency through learning journeys to the Singapore City Gallery, Marina Barrage, Punggol Town, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. While Singapore’s urban landscape may vary from other Pacific Island States, participants were inspired to apply nature-based solutions as well as green building strategies for upcoming development projects in their respective states.

The programme was exceptionally well-organized and delivered, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge across various key areas of urban planning, sustainability, and climate resilience. The sessions were informative and relevant, led by knowledgeable resource persons who effectively communicated complex topics. The opportunity to learn from experts and network with peers was invaluable, and I am grateful for the enriching experience. - Mr Avio Roberts, Deputy Town Clerk, Luganville Municipal Council, Vanuatu

Module 2 of the SPARKS Package, “Towards Climate Resilience & Urban Sustainability Programme” is slated for the second quarter of 2025. The one-week programme will touch on topics related to in-depth studies on nature-based solutions, environmental sustainability, and more. It will also include learning journeys to relevant sites to solidify the learnings.

We look forward to more members of the Pacific Island region joining us as we build resilient and sustainable island-homes.

CLC welcomes members of the Pacific Island region to reach out to us if you are interested in joining this programme.