Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) is increasingly recognised in global climate policy, but what does it take to turn these principles into meaningful action? Join senior officials, Government representatives, civil society and development partners from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands for an evidence-based discussion on implementing locally led adaptation at scale through two of the Pacific's largest Green Climate Fund-supported initiatives: the Vanuatu Community-based Climate Resilience Project (VCCRP) and the Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) Project. Drawing on policy and practical implementation, panellists will share lessons on how communities are shaping adaptation priorities and decision-making; how traditional knowledge and local experience are being combined with climate science; and how governments, civil society and development partners are strengthening local institutions and capabilities. The discussion will explore what it takes to ensure climate finance reaches rural and remote communities, supports locally driven solutions, and remains flexible enough to respond to the unique realities of small island developing states, including diverse cultures and knowledge systems, geographically dispersed islands, natural disasters and economic shocks. Grounded in local leadership and community experience, the session will provide honest reflections on what is working, where challenges remain, and what is being learned about translating climate finance and global adaptation ambitions into meaningful local action. Participants will gain practical insights into making climate finance more accessible and responsive, placing communities at the centre of adaptation decision-making, and designing multi-year programmes that deliver inclusive and lasting climate resilience impacts in the Pacific and beyond.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Honourable Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change, Vanuatu, Mr. Mike Waiwai, Director Vanuatu, Department of Climate Change, Mr Antoine Ravo, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vanuatu, Ms Nimarta Khuman, VCCRP MEAL & Program Quality Manager, Save the Children Vanuatu, Solomon Islands representative (tbc), Green Climate Fund representative (tbc)