From Ambition to Action
Pacific Nations chart a resilient future through stronger Climate Action and Partnership
Small island nations across the Pacific are proving that ambition, resilience, and partnership can drive meaningful climate action, even in the face of growing global uncertainty.
Samoa and the Cook Islands are among the countries advancing implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, taking bold steps to strengthen climate resilience while protecting communities, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems.
For many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), climate change is not a distant threat — it is a daily reality. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and limited access to financial resources continue to place immense pressure on island economies and communities.
Yet despite these challenges, Samoa has continued to lead with action.
In 2025, the Government officially launched its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), setting an ambitious path toward reducing emissions and accelerating adaptation efforts. The updated commitment includes a significant emissions reduction target by 2035, alongside stronger investment in renewable energy, sustainable transport, agriculture, forestry, and land use systems. Samoa’s vision reflects a whole-of-country approach, recognizing that climate resilience must be integrated across every sector of society.
“This is more than a climate commitment. It is our national pathway to protect our people, our environment, and our future. Over the past year, we have worked closely with our communities, our ministries, and partners to shape this NDC. It is the voices, knowledge, and priorities of Samoa. These are not abstract targets. They represent our conviction that climate action and sustainable development are inseparable — that the path to resilience is the path to prosperity for Samoa,” said Hon. Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt.
Behind these efforts is the growing importance of regional cooperation and technical partnership. Through the support of the UN Climate Promise initiative, Samoa strengthened coordination among government agencies, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to identify priority investments and climate solutions.
The process also helped improve access to climate finance and encouraged broader participation in climate planning and decision-making. By aligning national priorities with long-term resilience goals, Samoa is demonstrating how Pacific nations can turn climate ambition into practical action that benefits people and the environment alike.
“NDC 3.0 is a people-centred, evidence-based and future-focused roadmap that strengthens resilience, accelerates the energy and transport transitions, and safeguards the ecosystems that sustain communities. UNDP is honoured to support this nationally-led process, and we remain committed to working alongside the Government and people of Samoa to turn ambition into tangible, lasting results,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita.
At the same time, the Cook Islands are also advancing preparations for their NDC 3.0, building on a strong commitment to sustainable development and ocean stewardship. Planned priorities include renewable energy expansion, ecosystem restoration, sustainable transport, waste management, and biodiversity protection. Importantly, the process places strong emphasis on community ownership and inclusive engagement, ensuring that local voices help shape national climate solutions.
Together, Samoa and the Cook Islands are showing that Pacific leadership is not only about responding to climate change, but about creating a more resilient, sustainable, and united future for generations to come.
Story written by Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Samoa
