Global impact: ‘This gives the Pacific region a seat at a very important table’
3 September 2024
Prof Paul Dargusch, GCF Deputy Executive Director Henry Gonzales,
and Ruel Yamuna.
A researcher from our PACT climate collaboration has been appointed to the board of the world’s largest multilateral climate fund, placing PACT at the forefront of international climate finance efforts.
As a board member with the Green Climate Fund, Ruel Yamuna, who is Papua New Guinea’s Special Envoy for Climate and Environment and also PACT’s inaugural PhD candidate, said he was determined to amplify the Pacific’s voice in international climate finance discussions.
“One of the ongoing challenges we face in the region is ensuring that our concerns are heard at a global level,” Mr Yamuna said. “Representation in the decision-making process is critical, and my appointment as an alternate board member to the GCF board is a step towards that goal.”
‘I hope to do my part in mobilising those funds’
Mr Yamuna hopes to leverage the role to secure more climate finance for the Pacific, which is a key component of his PhD studies with Monash Business School.
Prof Paul Dargusch, the GCF's Princess Kaite Corporal, PNG Climate
Change Development Authority's Gwen Sissiou, the GCF's Samantha
Rabine, and Ruel Yamuna.
“Climate finance is a big challenge for the region,” he said.
“There’s significant money involved – the GCF is the largest funding mechanism under the Paris Agreement to serve developing countries – and I hope to do my part in mobilising those funds, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my brothers and sisters in the region,” he said.
Henry Gonzalez, Deputy Executive Director of the GCF and also a recently-appointed Adjunct Professor with the PACT centre, welcomed the appointment.
“Ruel’s expertise and passion for climate action will be invaluable as we work together to build a more sustainable future for the Pacific region,” Mr Gonzalez said.
“His involvement will be key to ensuring that our investments make a lasting difference in the communities most vulnerable to climate change.”
PACT’s Director, Professor Paul Dargusch, said having Mr Yamuna on the board would help ensure the needs and challenges of Pacific Island nations were heard and addressed.
True representation of Pacific interests
“This gives the region a seat at a very important table,” Prof Dargusch said.
“Ruel’s deep understanding and experience of the climate challenges facing the Pacific will help guide funding to where it’s needed most.”
Prof Dargusch said it also strengthened PACT’s ability to work closely with global partners, secure vital funding, and accelerate climate resilience projects across the region.
“PACT is all about making a positive impact, and aligning our work with the issues of highest priority for our South Pacific partners,” he said.
He said that the centre’s new PhD program played a crucial role in this mission by empowering emerging climate finance leaders from the South Pacific to make a global difference.
“Having professionals like Ruel in our program helps us anchor our efforts around topics of real practical relevance to the region,” he said.
“Bridging the divide between theory and practice is important so that a meaningful contribution is made through research and dialogue.”