Samiuela Tukuafu is an international expert with more than 35 years of professional experience in Banking, Corporate Governance, Public Financial Management and Climate Finance, previously occupying senior executive roles in the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the private sector and in the Government of Tonga. Before joining ADB in 2000, he worked in Tonga’s Ministry of Finance as Deputy Accountant General and Head of Budget, Price Waterhouse (Fiji) as Senior Auditor, Bank of Tonga as Manager Finance & Marketing and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga as Deputy Governor. At 65 years of age, Mr. Tukuafu retired from the ADB in 2018 as its Country Director for Cambodia, responsible for a two-yearly program of US$250 million and administering a portfolio of $1.1 billion. Within the ADB he has led the planning, programming, design, appraisal, implementation and evaluation of significant development projects in agriculture and climate change, education, energy, financial sector, infrastructure and public sector management across Asia and the Pacific over almost two decades, working with various bilateral and multilateral donors. He holds a Masters Degree in Banking and Corporate Finance. Since his retirement, he has closely followed regional and international developments in relation to climate action and finance, multilateral and bilateral reforms and developments on international standards. Mr. Tukuafu is the first Tongan national to have held a senior executive role in a Multilateral Financial Institution.
I specialize in web programming, with a strong focus on developing web applications and websites. My expertise extends to database development, systems analysis and design, IT consultancy, and capacity building. With over 7 years of experience in the IT field, I bring a comprehensive and solution-oriented approach to every project I undertake.
Dr. Eric VanderWerf has worked in the Pacific region for over 30 years. He currently is the Executive Director and Director of Science for Pacific Rim Conservation, a non-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii. His research and management has focused on birds, including seabirds, forest birds, and wetland birds, as well as habitat restoration and protection. He has extensive experience with predator exclusion fences, bird translocations, seabird social attraction, and avian ecology and conservation in general.
Marine scientist specializing in innovative approaches to marine conservation. A proven track record in designing and implementing research programs, analyzing complex environmental data (microplastics, water quality), and communicating findings through technical reports and stakeholder engagement. Successfully secured research funding and built capacity within Indigenous communities. With experience spanning the Caribbean and Pacific Northwest, I bring a unique perspective to addressing the pressing challenges facing our oceans
Leadership development, organisational development, leadership culture design, strategic facilitation at both a local and global scale, consulting on social, cultural and environmental development.
Leanne is a visionary leader experienced in organisational development, strategic facilitation, and policy advisement across business, government, and NGO sectors. With a strong background as a former Chartered Accountant coupled with deep knowledge in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, she excels at navigating diverse stakeholder needs and delivering actionable recommendations. Her skills can be accompanied by her husband, Greg, who complements this with his abilities in research, developing comprehensive strategies and reports, and finding creative yet practical solutions to complex problems. His background in design thinking and psychological understanding enables him to analyse multifaceted issues and communicate solutions effectively to diverse audiences. The combined skills result in fostering sustainable, equitable solutions that bring positive impacts across environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions, with particular experience working in Pacific Island contexts.
We provide a proven alternative to diesel through solar-powered refrigeration and energy generation technology.
Black Stump Technologies is an Australian-based sustainability technology company operating globally. We specialise in the provision of solar-powered refrigeration and energy technologies which can be rapidly deployed in remote areas and environments which are off-grid. By providing sustainable technology solutions, we empower organisations, communities and individuals with the ability to change their economic and social circumstances.
Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk is the Director for Asia-Pacific of the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), based in Bangkok, Thailand. Sommai is a graduate electrical engineer with a master's in business and marketing management. He has over 30 years of experience in promoting and implementing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in 26 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region, primarily in the fields of building energy audits, equipment efficiency (MEPS and energy labeling), Demand Side Management (DSM), clean energy technologies, market assessment and development energy efficiency policies and programs. He has provided technical assistance for projects and programs funded by ADB, APEC, DFID, GGGI, SPC, SPREP, UNF, UNDP, UNEP, USAID, the European Union, and the World Bank/ IFC.
Nadia Florida Meredith-Hunt is an expert in climate finance, climate change policy, and renewable energy investment with extensive experience leading and advising on sustainability-focused projects in the Pacific. As CEO of KVA Consult Ltd., she has worked with UNDP, UNEP, GIZ, and other international agencies on climate finance mobilization, energy transition, and resilience planning. She is currently Energy Finance Specialist for UNDP, assessing renewable energy financing in Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands, and Niue. She also serves as Project Coordinator for the ICAT Initiative (UNEP), strengthening Samoa’s climate transparency and reporting. As Co-Team Leader for the CAP-IT Project (UNDP), she is accelerating decarbonization in Samoa’s land and maritime transport sectors. Her past work includes leading the Climate Finance Private Sector Engagement Project (GIZ), advising on Samoa’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and conducting climate resilience assessments for the World Bank and UNDP. With deep expertise in financing mechanisms, policy development, and public-private partnerships, she is a key figure in advancing sustainable development and climate resilience in the Pacific.
Relevant experience summary
Working across the private and public sector, Amanda has over 23 years’ experience in program/project design and implementation across climate change, disaster risk reduction, environment and energy projects across the Pacific and Asian region.
As ClimateABILITY’s Director, Amanda is responsible for overseeing the delivery of climate change adaptation, migitation, climate finance and disaster risk reduction projects. As GHD’s APAC lead for Climate Risk and Resilience, Amanda had responsibility for designing and implementing projects on sustainability and climate change. Through her work she focussed on climate change risk assessments, emissions reduction frameworks, climate scenario analysis, electrification, decarbonisation, monitoring and evaluation.
While at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology she managed teams undertaking oceanographic and climatological capacity building work through developing, implementing and managing scientific/technical tools and applications for Australian and Pacific National Meteorology services. She has also led engineering teams responsible for weather equipment procurement, complex repair, and overhaul.
As a private consultant she has led teams in the Pacific on projects focussed on climate science, services, adaptation and mitigation. This includes national and regional policy work like the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy, Pacific Island Enhanced Roadmap for Climate Services, the Tuvalu national drought policy, the Pacific’s first forecast-based financing roadmap, training on climate science and climate information services. She has provided technical advice on climate, weather and oceanography and undertaken significant amounts of GCF proposal development and stakeholder engagement for UN and regional funding bodies including the World Meteorological Organization, UNDP, SPREP and UNEP.
Professional experience
Director
ClimateABILITY Pty Ltd | December 2021 - Present
As ClimateABILITY’s Director, Amanda has responsibility for managing projects spanning a wider range of services including climate science, design and feasibility studies, climate responsive infrastructure, locally led design, capacity development etc.
GCF Team Leader (PNG Agriculture and Forest Ecosystems) – Abt Associates (2024-2025)
As ABT’s team leader, Amanda represents ABT to internal and external stakeholder and manages the day to day running of the ABT-led consortium and provides technical assistance services to SPREP and partners across a broad spectrum of activities to produce a full funding proposal for the GCF. This includes facilitating national and provincial stakeholder engagement, analyses for climate science, GEDSI, MERLA, Equipment Operation and Maintenance etc.
Pacific Climate Adaptation SME for Coral Reef Pacific decision support tool scoping -Adaptus (2025)
Amanda is supporting the integration of climate adaptation principles into the development of the Pacific decision support tool, ensuring that it aligns with local knowledge, stakeholder needs, and emerging climate risks to support evidence based reef conservation and restoration in the Pacific.
Climate Risk and Resilience Lead - APAC
GHD Pty Ltd | November 2021 – August 2024
As GHD’s APAC lead for Climate Risk and Resilience, Amanda has responsibility for managing projects with sustainability and climate change services such as climate change risk assessments, emissions reduction frameworks, climate scenario analysis, and decarbonisation.
Tuvalu National Adaptation Plan development – SPREP (2024-2023)
To strengthen climate and disaster resilience, the Government of Tuvalu is currently undertaking a national adaptation planning process and developing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in partnership with the Green Climate Fund, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and GHD. Amanda is the climate change technical director and is leading the climate elements of the NAP development process.
Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership Project Management – Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (2022-2024)
In support of MFAT’s multi-million projects on rural electrification in Papua New Guinea, Amanda led a team to provide project management services. This included responsibility for electrification across provinces in PNG, supporting MFAT in business casing renewable energy generation projects. Proposing capacity uplift for PNG Power limited and stakeholders as well as designing a monitoring and evaluation programme in support of MFAT’s reporting requirements.
Climate resilient WASH advisory - Water for Women (2023-2022)
Amanda was an advisor for Water for Women, reviewing proposals for work on inclusive, climate resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) which focuses on embedding climate resilience in WASH projects. The Water for Women Fund is the Australian Government’s flagship $118.9 million (2018-2022) WASH program. The fund has explored a focus on climate resilient WASH to better address SDG 6 by building stronger connections between WASH, water security and water resource management. Amanda’s advisory role reviewing the climate resilience aspect of concept and research proposals aids Water for Women in their quest to pivot their program to one with a climate change focus. Her work aided in the design of the next phase of Water for Women.
Assessments for Maritime Connectivity, Vulnerability and Strategic Needs in Pacific Island Countries - World Bank (2022)
Amanda provided technical directorship towards the Regional Maritime Vulnerability Assessment; one of three deliverables associated with the World Bank Groups’ study on Blue Transformation for Maritime Transport in the Pacific. The assessment aimed to support 12 Pacific Island countries to better understand their vulnerability to geophysical and climate induced hazards over time as they relate to regional maritime connectivity and determined potential options to mitigate impacts on the maritime sector. Amanda provided leadership on the analysis and research for the Country Case Studies vulnerability assessment which evaluated the hazard exposure, and sensitivity and adaptive capacity ratings for 36 ports – 15 in Fiji, 11 in Kiribati, and 10 in the Solomon Islands. The case studies provide context on how sensitivity of infrastructure and adaptive capacity considerations at a port contribute to vulnerability to hazards, now and in the future.
Climate change literature review and scenario scan - Melbourne Water (2022)
Amanda technically directed work delivered to Melbourne Water on a climate change literature review and a climate scenario scan. Work package 1 involved a review of existing Melbourne Water background material and external resources. The outputs of the review are a first step towards establishment of baseline knowledge on climate change impacts across various business functions across Melbourne Water for their stakeholders. Work package 2 saw the delivery of a best practice approach to climate scenario analysis, with a focus on asset management. It was undertaken to identify insights that can be leveraged by Melbourne Water in taking their next steps with a climate focus.
Technical Review of CCRA for Australian infrastructure projects (2021-2023)
As a technical reviewer, Amanda utilizes her wide range of expertise to evaluate the robustness and accuracy of climate change risk assessments. She has completed technical reviews of several CCRAs for Australian infrastructure projects, ensuring the most up-to-date information is relayed to the client, following best practice methodologies.
Director
Pacific Science Solutions (PSS) | July 2016 – November 2021
As a Director of Pacific Science Solutions, Amanda has undertaken the following consultancies:
Australian Pacific Climate Partnership Support Unit (APCP)
November 2020 – June 2021
Palladium International funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) engagement to be part of the APCP Expert Panel for Science Communications. PSS worked on identifying climate change volunteer (Australian Volunteers Program) placements in 14 Pacific countries which required the identification of Pacific organisations (government, private and NGOs) that would welcome and benefit from the placement of a qualified volunteers.
Intra-ACP Assessments – Consultancy for the Pacific SIDS region
October 2020 – April 2021:
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) engagement to identify SIDS priorities (in terms of climate affected sectors and impacts, key stakeholder groups, and relevant products, services or data) common to countries within each sub-region of the Pacific. The task involved building on the findings of the regional assessments, assessing the availability of regional platforms for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange in the Pacific that could form the basis of a regional User Interface Platform (UIP) and identifying appropriate platforms that could support regional UIPs.
Green Climate Fund (GCF) Niue Concept Note redevelopment - UNDP
November 2019 – June 2020:
Increasing the Resilience of Niue through a comprehensive approach to Climate Information Services and Early Warning Systems – UNDP engagement to review and update the Niue GCF SAP Concept Note through stakeholder engagement and specialist technical input.
GCF RMI Country Programme and Project Development - Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP)
July 2019–February 2020
Engagement to develop RMI GCF Country Programme and Pipeline Concepts for submission to the GCF. Amanda’s company engaged a local consultant in RMI to carry out the required activities to support developing and finalising for approval, the RMI GCF Country Programme, two concept proposals based on key priorities (renewable energy and health) endorsed by the RMI Government.
Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Timor Leste – UN Environment Programme
August 2019– January 2021
Engagement to complete a funding proposal for the Green Climate Fund addressing the obstacles to provision of end-to-end warnings of extreme events in Timor Leste (initially started in 2017). The proposal was designed to integrate the operations of the agencies in each Timor Leste who forecast extreme weather and climate events, prepare for disasters and manage disaster response, and broadcast warnings and advice. The proposal was successful and accepted by the GCF in June 2021.
Enhancing Climate Information and Knowledge Services for resilience in 5 Pacific Island Countries Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu– UN Environment Programme
January 2019 – February 2020
Engagement to complete a funding proposal for the Green Climate Fund addressing enhancement of climate information services and early warning systems for 5 PICs. The proposal developed climate science and information services that are essential for sustainable development, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, food security, health services, water resource management and energy efficiency. The proposal was successful and accepted by the GCF in November 2020.
Climate Information Services (CIS) Policy Review, Sector Action and Communication Plans (Vanuatu)
September 2018 – December 2019
Support to Lead International Consultant World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (5 PICS)
July 2017 – September 2018
Pacific Management of Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. (14 PICS)
September 2016 – June 2018
Fiji, Develop Fiji’s National Framework for Climate Services and Action Plan for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP).
February 2018 – April 2018:
Develop Drought Response Plans for Solomon Islands and Tuvalu,
June 2017 – May 2018:
National (Fiji) Consultant for Green Climate Fund
July – December 2017:
Forecast-based Financing (FbF) for drought in the Solomon Islands for the Australian Red Cross.
June – December 2017
Mid Term Review of the Pacific Island Meteorological Strategy for SPREP.
October 2016 – June 2017
The Development of the Pacific Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services for SPREP.
October 2016 – June 2017
National Manager & Technical Officer
Australian Bureau of Meteorology | 2001 - 2016
– Manager, Observing, Infrastructure & Equipment, Infrastructure Management Branch 2014 – 2016
– Manger Climate and Ocean Monitoring & Prediction, Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific 2012 – 2014
– National Manager, Ocean Climate Services 2010 – 2012
– National Manager, Oceanographic Services 2008 – 2010
– Technical Expert, Various Branches 2001 – 2008
Climate Finance, Climate Change Adaptation Consultant, Climate Change Lead Researcher
Tookina Research Institute
Dr. Michael Otoara Ha'apio is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in climate finance and corporate finance, specializing in concept note development, development finance, capacity building, Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) consultancy services, and community development.
Professional Experience:
• Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor for Solomon Islands (2021–Present): Dr. Ha'apio serves as the National Climate Finance Advisor, focusing on enhancing the country's capacity to access and manage climate finance.
• TNA Adaptation Consultant: He has contributed to TNA adaptation projects for the Republic of Nauru (2019–2020) providing expert guidance on climate adaptation strategies.
• University Fellow and Lecturer: Dr. Ha'apio was a fellow at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, Fiji, where he taught Climate Finance and Adaptation Project Design. He also played a pivotal role in developing the first Master's program in Natural Resource Management at the Solomon Islands National University.
• Blue Nature Alliance Project Focal Point: He currently serves as the focal point for the Blue Nature Alliance Project in Solomon Islands, assisting international consultants in designing and developing sustainable financing solutions for marine conservation.
• Founding Board Member: Dr. Ha'apio is a founding board member of the Coral Triangle Conservation Trust Fund, an entity established under the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) based in Indonesia, dedicated to marine conservation efforts.
• Founding Board member: Tookina Research Institute, Panatina Valley, Honiara, Solomon Islands
• Lecturer in Business Management: He teaches the Professional Diploma in Business Management at the University of the South Pacific's Solomon Islands Campus, sharing his expertise in corporate finance and management.
Academic Achievements:
• Dr. Ha'apio received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Best Student Research at USP in both 2015 and 2019, recognizing his outstanding contributions to academic research.
Through his extensive experience and dedication, Dr. Ha'apio has significantly advanced climate finance initiatives, capacity building, and community development in the Pacific region.
Dr. Jason Hui Hong Yapp is an expert in climate finance, renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable development with over 25 years of experience in consultancy services for high-profile international organizations, including UN agencies (UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, WFP), the Green Climate Fund, ADB, EU Commission, USAID, GIZ, GGGI, IUCN, IISD, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. His extensive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of areas critical to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development:
1. Climate Finance Leadership: Dr. Yapp excels in climate finance, demonstrated through his significant contributions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness projects, capacity building, and the development of funding proposals. His work includes supporting NDAs in Asia, developing GCF proposals for countries like Malaysia, and crafting country programs for nations across the globe.
2. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Dr Yapp possesses deep technical knowledge in renewable energy and energy efficiency, contributing to the scaling up of renewable initiatives and improving energy sustainability in various sectors.
3. Sustainable Agriculture Expertise: With a Ph.D. in crop genetics and physiology, Dr. Yapp brings a unique perspective to sustainable agriculture and land-use practices, focusing on climate-smart solutions and conservation agriculture to enhance agricultural competitiveness and sustainability.
4. Carbon Pricing Project Development: As Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Business Development Expert, Dr Yapp had supported AES (US Utility Corp) to develop carbon offset projects to generate carbon credits in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam for sale at the Carbon Trading system. Dr Yapp is familiar with the Emission Trading System and the UNFCCC approved methodologies to calculate carbon credits based on the ex-ante (baseline) and ex-post GHG (project) emissions.
5. Project Management and Implementation: His role in managing and implementing multi-country climate-related projects showcases his adept project management skills, including leading international and national teams, and overseeing the execution of complex projects.
6. Policy and Strategy Development: Dr. Yapp has been instrumental in developing climate-related policies, strategies, and frameworks at national and regional levels, contributing to National Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and climate National Adaptation Plan. In Malaysia.
7. Capacity Building and Technical Training: His commitment to capacity building is evident in his role in conducting training workshops and capacity-building activities across various technical areas, thereby enhancing the skills of stakeholders in climate finance and sustainable practices.
8. International and Cross-cultural Experience: Dr. Yapp's work spans diverse geographic regions including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, highlighting his adaptability and ability to navigate diverse cultural and environmental contexts.
9. Engagement with Multiple Sectors: His expertise in fostering collaboration among public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and international financial institutions underscores his ability to build partnerships and engage a wide range of stakeholders in the climate finance domain.
10. Innovation in Climate Solutions: As the founder of Eden Environmental Consulting Ltd, Dr. Yapp continues to provide cutting-edge technical and financial consultancy, driving innovation in demand driven climate adaptation and mitigation solutions that are sustainable, scalable and replicable.
Dr. Gangadhara Narala Reddy is an academic and researcher in Civil Engineering, specializing in Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from IIT Bhubaneswar and master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering from NIT Bhopal. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji.
Dr. Reddy’s work centers on developing innovative, sustainable solutions to address climate change impacts and enhance resilience in vulnerable regions. He has developed a proposal on geotechnical solutions for riverbank stabilization in Nausori City, Fiji in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Climate Change reflects his ability to bridge research with practical applications. He is also actively engaged with stakeholders through workshops and training programs, such as the “Workshop on Enhancing Climate Resilience of Fiji’s Road Network” and “Short Term Training Program on Sustainable Materials & Resilient Buildings - Philosophy, Design, Implementation, and Performance”.
Dr. Reddy’s work highlights the critical importance of integrating climate science into civil engineering solutions. He has expertise in designing climate-resilient infrastructure networks in Fiji to withstand climate-induced challenges, ensuring sustainable and disaster-resilient systems including road network, slope stability analysis, and resilient design of foundation systems.
Dr. Reddy has extensive consultancy experience, including geotechnical investigations, soil and rock testing, earth retaining wall design, and addressing collapsible/swelling soils. He has conducted various geotechnical fieldworks for housing projects, red mud and fly ash audits, and pile load tests, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and engineering solutions.
Dr. Reddy has over 32 Scopus-indexed publications. He co-authored the book "Advances in Sustainable Materials and Resilient Infrastructure" (Springer, 2022) and has delivered invited talks at over 10 international workshops and conferences. His leadership extends to editorial roles, serving as Associate Editor for Innovative Infrastructure Solutions and on editorial boards for Discover Civil Engineering and Discover Geosciences. He has received prestigious fellowships, including the CSC Fellowship for research in China.
Dr. Reddy’s expertise spans sustainable materials, geotechnical engineering, pavement Geotechnics, climate-resilient infrastructure, and use of sustainable material applications for soil stabilization. His commitment to advancing climate change adaptation and mitigation through community engagement and nature-based solutions underscores his contributions to Civil and Environmental Engineering.
