Apia, Samoa – 20 June 2025 – A timely policy dialogue held this week in Apia discussed ways to unlock sustainable finance solutions for Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
This is recognition of the critical role sustainable finance plays in accelerating the transition to inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable economies across Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau.
Co-hosted by the Apia-based United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, and Samoa’s Ministry of Finance, the policy dialogue brought together over 60 participants, including Pacific leaders, technical experts, development partners, and financial institutions from around the region.
Held under the theme “Unlocking Sustainable Finance for the Green & Blue Economy: Governance, Resilience, and Investment Pathways”, the two-day gathering explored practical pathways to mobilise sustainable finance and strengthen investment readiness across key sectors.
“This Sustainable Finance Policy Dialogue, or Talatalaga, presents a significant opportunity for our four island nations to further engage and strengthen our understanding of sustainable financing for building resilient futures in the Pacific,” said Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, Minister of Finance.
Participants at UNDP’s policy dialogue on Unlocking Sustainable Finance for the Green & Blue Economies.
“The establishment of home-grown solutions to our needs in the Pacific are essential, where people-centred developments are core, given the importance we place on inclusive policies, local ownership and participation as well as enhanced capacity building. Certainly, economic growth, addressing social and environmental challenges must go hand in hand with human development, if we are serious about inclusive and sustainable development in the Pacific.”
The policy dialogue kicked off with a session on laying the foundation for sustainable finance which provided an overview of global and regional finance policies, current trends in energy and climate finance, and strengthening nature-based solutions, enabling environments and regulatory frameworks.
Participants engaged in a series of high-level panels, thematic sessions, and moderated discussions structured around three core segments.
Panel discussion on Sustainable Finance for the Tourism Sector.
The first segment, Country Dialogue on Key Priorities, provided space for governments to share their country-specific experiences and needs in scaling up green and blue financing.
This was followed by Sustainable Finance in Practice, which featured sector-focused discussions on clean energy, tourism, and private sector engagement. These sessions highlighted practical examples of concessional financing, blended finance, and de-risking mechanisms.
The final segment, Future of sustainable Finance in the Pacific, explored the evolving roles of banks, insurers, and regulatory frameworks in enabling investment for resilience and sustainability.
“Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau are uniquely placed to champion regionally aligned financing solutions — leveraging shared challenges and collective strengths through knowledge exchange, pooled procurement, and digital innovation,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.
“UNDP stands ready to support public-private dialogues, financial pipeline development, and country-led policy reforms. We are proud to accompany these countries on this journey as a partner committed to co-creation, co-investment, and shared results.”
The policy dialogue concluded with the development of a preliminary roadmap for advancing integrated national financing frameworks and unlocking sustainable finance at scale.
Concrete next steps will include follow-up dialogues, technical assistance opportunities, and further engagement with bilateral and multilateral donors.
