Cover photo by Keziah Harry, a finalist in the SPC Pacific photo competition. This photo from Tuvalu, warns about climate change’s effect on our islands and atolls. It’s a clear sign we need to act to keep our world safe. Reproduced with permission.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
I am pleased to present the Director-General’s report for 2024, which highlights our efforts to fulfil our mandate in serving the Pacific region. The achievements outlined in this report are the result of collaborative partnerships with our members and stakeholders.
I take immense pride in leading an organisation of over 800 dedicated staff, all of whom work diligently to support the 27 members of the Pacific Community (SPC). The unwavering sense of duty and profound care demonstrated by SPC staff in our mission is truly commendable.
Our work in 2024 has been significantly disrupted by the crisis in New Caledonia, which has been challenging for our Noumea-based staff and tested our operational capacity. Despite these challenges, we have united as an organisation, and embodied the SPC values entrusted to us by our members. I am incredibly proud of SPC staff for their resilience and commitment during these trying times.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our members and partners for their unwavering support and solidarity during this difficult period. Your collaboration and belief in our shared mission have been instrumental in guiding our path forward.
This year has been marked by numerous events that have both positively and negatively impacted our region, reminding us of the need to remain vigilant and prepared for various disruptions, whether they arise from natural disasters, civil unrest or global events. The long-lasting effects of these challenges necessitate our resilience and proactive response.
Our region continues to face significant challenges that undermine development and strain fragile economies, with climate change posing the greatest threat to livelihoods, security and wellbeing. Access to climate finance for durable climate action remains largely sporadic and unsustainable. Pacific Island countries have been receiving only 0.22% of the global promise of USD 100 billion per annum made 15 years ago, with significant administrative complexities hindering our ability to implement effective, long-term solutions. SPC’s flagship approach and early support by donors are laying crucial foundations for scaling up strategic investments in climate action. Early successes are already being realised, with plans to expand these efforts over time.
The orderly transition to green economies and renewable energy requires predictable and fit-for-purpose funding, access to appropriate technologies and innovation, and capacity building. There is a triple bottom line of outcomes associated with this transition that includes energy security and reduced exposure to global volatility of fuel prices, opportunities for green growth and reduced risk of being locked into obsolete technology into the future.
In addressing these challenges, the need for reliable science and innovative, evidence-based solutions has never been more critical. While digital transformation is advancing rapidly, the necessary infrastructure to bridge the digital divide is lagging. We must remember that the region’s greatest asset is its people, and the promise of innovation can only be realised through investment in nurturing and empowering our youth and communities in all their diversity. Building, training and maintaining a productive, healthy workforce into the future is fundamental to the resilience and sustainable development of the region.
As an organisation, SPC must evolve to meet expectations and fulfil its essential role as the region’s premier technical and scientific institution. The events in New Caledonia serve as a crucial reminder that we must continue to anticipate, adapt and evolve while advancing and delivering services to our staff and the region. The lessons learned from these challenges will shape our path moving forward.
As I present my update of SPC’s journey over the past year, I appreciate the continued support and trust of our esteemed members and invaluable partners as we move forward.
Dr Stuart Minchin,
Pacific Community Director-General