Embedding climate transitions practice across the Pacific

Prof Paul Jacob Dargusch, 2026

Purpose

The Centre for Pacific Actions for Climate Transitions (PACT) was established to address a critical research gap: the need for high-quality research, policy advice, and capacity building for climate change mitigation and adaptation through a business and economics lens. The foundational vision was to build capability within Pacific Island Country (PIC) policy, financial, and economic systems to support a thriving and secure future for the region.

Practice

Following a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between Monash University and Fiji National University (FNU), PACT was formally established in January 2023. Key actions included:

  • Strategic Refinement and Governance: Overcoming an initial period of flux to appoint a Director and establish a simplified, transparent governance structure with the Fijian Government.
  • Regional Engagement: Activating a comprehensive engagement plan that included 14 visits to Pacific Island countries by the Director between 2023 and 2024 to build trusted partnerships.
  • Capacity Building: Launching the PACT Interdisciplinary PhD Program, which allows Pacific-based professionals to conduct doctoral research while remaining embedded in their home countries.
  • Policy and Advisory Work: Delivering high-level projects such as the FAO’s Global Bioeconomy Strategy and Papua New Guinea’s National Climate Finance Strategy.

Output

The immediate outputs of these activities included:

  • Formal Institutional Establishment: PACT became a faculty research centre within Monash Business School in collaboration with FNU.
  • Secured Funding: A commitment from the Fiji Government for FJ$2 million per year (2023–2028) and the acquisition of third-party funding from agencies like the FAO.
  • Global Recognition: Monash University was recognised as a provider for both Readiness Support and Project Preparation Facility (PPF) services for the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—the only university in the Asia-Pacific with these combined approvals.

Outcome

For the primary stakeholders—Monash University, FNU, and the Fiji Government—the long-term outcomes include:

Strengthened Academic Capability: FNU has benefited from increased academic strength and the ability to leverage Fiji’s investment to catalyse additional international funding.

Institutional Reputation: PACT has established itself as a "trusted and capable partner" for applied research and advisory work in the region.

Sustainable Research Pipelines: The PhD program is training a new generation of Pacific leaders, with six candidates already commenced and others under consideration.

Impact

The broader impact across the Pacific region and the global climate community involves:

Improved Climate Resilience: Enhanced national climate finance systems and investment pipelines across more than ten Pacific Island countries.

Empowerment and Leadership: Initiatives such as the Australia Awards Fellowship have empowered Melanesian women in climate finance leadership.

Global Intellectual Leadership: The establishment of the David Brand Chair in Natural Capital Investment positions the Pacific at the forefront of global efforts to integrate natural capital into financial systems.

Community Wellbeing: Applied research is directly addressing local issues, such as the effects of extreme weather on mental health and the development of sustainable Melanesian indigenous food systems.