LocationsZooming in on Green Banking and Sustainable Finance – hosted by the Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP’s Climate Finance Network
August 7, 2026
Green Banking and Sustainable Finance workshop participants
The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a one-day workshop on Green Banking and Sustainable Finance at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows Apia on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. The aim is to mobilise and channel climate finance across Asia and the Pacific with the Central Bank of Samoa reaffirming its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive financial sector.
Partnerships:
The workshop was delivered under the UNDP Climate Finance Network (CFN), a flagship initiative funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme which aims to bridge the gap between climate goals and the investment needed to reach them.
Key participants:
The workshop was attended by teams from Samoa's four commercial banks — ANZ Bank (Samoa), Bank South Pacific (Samoa), National Bank of Samoa, and Samoa Commercial Bank — together with delegates from the Development Bank of Samoa, the Samoa Housing Corporation, the Unit Trust of Samoa, the Samoa National Provident Fund, the Samoa Business Hub, and the Samoa Chamber of Commerce Incorporated.
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Sili Margaret Chan Cheuk Tafunai.
Key feature of the workshop and discussions:
The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Sili Margaret Chan Cheuk Tafunai, delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the important role financial institutions play in supporting investments that strengthen resilience to climate change while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
A key feature of the workshop was a panel discussion titled "Why Green Banking Matters Now", which brought together senior leaders from Samoa's commercial banks. Panellists shared their experiences and perspectives on the growing demand for green finance and sustainable investment.
Discussions highlighted increasing interest in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for households and businesses, as well as the opportunities these investments present for customers, financial institutions, and the broader economy. The discussion also recognised challenges that need to be addressed, including strengthening institutional capacity, improving awareness of green finance products, and enhancing approaches to managing climate-related risks.
Left to Right: Tauili’ili Ruth Thomsen Penaia, Senior Manager at Samoa Commercial Bank; Saveatama Michael Vaafusuaga, Head of Business and Consumer Banking at the National Bank of Samoa; and Laulutō Rapi Laauli Vaai, Head of Corporate at Bank South Pacific Samoa.
Platform for future collaborations:
The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Through group discussions and practical exercises, participants strengthened their understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities and explored ways to support businesses and communities in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Participants were enabled to apply sustainable finance, ESG (environment, social and governance) and green credit risk concepts to realistic scenarios, fostering active engagement and strengthening institutional understanding.
“For many businesses in Samoa — in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, commerce, renewable energy — access to the right kind of finance is what stands between an idea, resilient livelihoods, scaling up of innovations, and ultimately, thriving, green, inclusive economies in Samoa. UNDP's role here is to support what Samoa's financial sector is already building — in partnership with line ministries, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, communities, and development partners,” said Paolo Dalla Stella, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP.
Paolo Dalla Stella, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative's (DRR) giving a presentation supporting platform for future collaborations.
CBS role in capacity building:
Building the capacity of Samoa's financial institutions remains a priority for the Central Bank of Samoa, ensuring to respond to climate and sustainability challenges. A resilient and sustainable financial system is essential for supporting long-term economic development, protecting livelihoods, and helping Samoa adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Central Bank of Samoa acknowledges and greatly appreciates the continued partnership and support of UNDP and development partners in advancing sustainable finance initiatives that contribute to Samoa's economic resilience and sustainable development goals.
About the UNDP Climate Finance Network
The UNDP Climate Finance Network (CFN) supports Asia-Pacific countries bridge the gap between climate goals and the investment needed to reach them. As a regional platform, CFN provides technical and policy support to integrate climate into public finance, mobilize private and innovative capital, and create the enabling environment required for lasting impact through regional knowledge exchange and peer learning. Learn more at https://go.undp.org/climate-finance-network.
More information can be obtained from CBS on phone number 34100 or UNDP at 23670.
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