LocationsFinal Regional Knowledge Sharing Workshop: Advancing Green Transformation in the Pacific
November 26, 2025
Participants at the Final Regional Knowledge Sharing Workshop.
The final Regional Knowledge Sharing Workshop of the Pacific Green Transformation Project was organized on 29–30 October 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together government representatives from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, UNDP teams, and youth delegates. The workshop aimed to reflect on project experiences, share lessons learned, explore pathways for sustaining results, and foster cross-country collaboration to advance green transformation in the Pacific region.
The workshop began with opening remarks from key partners and stakeholders. H.E. Hisanobu Mochizuki, Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, in a pre-recorded message, highlighted the project’s achievements: "Over the past 2.5 years, the project has advanced green transformation across Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, promoting renewable energy, climate resilience, and inclusive approaches. Sustained collaboration is essential to continue this journey."
H.E. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Meteorology, Geohazards, Environment and Disaster Management of Vanuatu, shared the impact of the project on local communities:
"By harnessing our rivers and investing in renewable energy, this partnership is powering a cleaner, more resilient future for Vanuatu. Over 700 households now have electricity for the first time, creating new opportunities and improving livelihoods for thousands of residents."
Mr. Christophe Bahuet, Deputy Regional Director, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, emphasized the importance of national ownership and regional collaboration:
"This project demonstrates the value of governments, UNDP, and partners working together to deliver tangible results in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development for Pacific communities."
Akiko Yamamoto, Regional Team Leader for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP, set the stage for the workshop’s objectives, noting the scale of the project:
"The Pacific Green Transformation Project is the largest single climate investment in the Pacific in 30 years. Beyond capital, true green transformation requires institutional reform, policy shifts, and collective societal engagement."
Key Sessions and Highlights
The workshop included sessions on country-level reflections, cross-cutting interventions, and innovative approaches to communications, advocacy, and knowledge management. Mr. Simbotwe Mwiya, the Regional Project Manager for the Pacific Green Transformation Project, provided an overview of the project, presenting its key figures, country-level achievements in renewable energy and climate action. Participants reviewed project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in each country, including renewable energy initiatives such as solar and pico-hydros, capacity-building for local communities, and engagement with youth and women in climate action.
A key highlight was Una, the UNDP Asia-Pacific AI Environment, who engaged participants in discussions on regional climate action. Una, first showcased at EXPO OSAKA 2025, will continue to support environmental advocacy and knowledge-sharing across the Pacific.
Sessions also emphasized the importance of multi-country collaboration and knowledge-sharing, drawing lessons for sustaining and scaling results. Policymakers explored strategies to integrate green transformation into national development plans and leverage South-South and regional cooperation to accelerate climate and energy initiatives.
Voices from the Workshop
Participants reflected on the transformative impact of the project. Government representatives highlighted how renewable energy infrastructure has improved access to electricity, strengthened institutional capacities, and created green jobs. Youth delegates shared experiences in training programs and entrepreneurship studies, emphasizing the role of young people in driving sustainable development.
The workshop also showcased the value of innovative communications and knowledge management tools, including simplified infographics on renewable energy, which were shared with countries to contextualize and continue promoting awareness and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
As the Pacific Green Transformation Project approaches its conclusion in December 2025, the workshop provided a platform to consolidate lessons, celebrate achievements, and discuss the future of climate action in the region. It highlighted that green transformation requires an “all-of-society” approach, where governments, communities, and stakeholders collectively drive change.
This was the final Regional Knowledge Sharing Workshop facilitated by the Pacific Green Transformation Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented under UNDP’s Climate Promise framework. Over its 2.5-year implementation period, the project has demonstrated the potential for renewable energy expansion, climate resilience, and inclusive development, leaving a strong foundation for the Pacific region to continue its transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.