Physical oceanographer and Pacific conservation leader with 20+ years’ experience translating marine science into policy and action. Conceived, secured funding for, and managed multi-million-dollar international projects, including the USTDA-funded modernization of Vanuatu’s Meteorological Service. Co-founder of Backyard Buoys, a USD 35M Indigenous- and community-led ocean observing initiative. Experienced in supporting and advising marine and weather technology startups to bring innovations to market. Partnered with Indigenous and local communities across the Pacific and applied oceanographic data to Marine Protected Area monitoring and coastal resilience. Bilingual in English and French, based in New Zealand with long-standing Pacific networks. Combines scientific depth, regional knowledge, and hands-on program delivery to advance equitable and durable ocean protection.
A highly skilled professional with extensive experience in strategic policy development, donor-funded project management and governance, and human resource development and planning. Expertise in leading and managing donor-funded projects and programs involving community and human development, governance, public policy reform, economic empowerment, and capacity development, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes through inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration. Highly skilled in the nuances of policy development and human resource development and planning, gained from hands-on involvement in various public and private sector organizations. Enthusiastic about embracing innovative opportunities and developing fit-for-purpose solutions that yield substantial public benefit and assure a return on investment. Possess a comprehensive skill set focused on sound evidence-based decision making in all aspects of the policy development cycle. Holds an extensive professional background in successfully managing, delivering, and surpassing the expectations of public and private entities, development partners, and community stakeholders. Offers technical advisory acumen, particularly in applying rigorous monitoring and evaluation techniques to foster good governance and accountability. Dedicated to forming and sustaining robust, enduring connections with the community, colleagues, and development partners in Samoa and beyond. Excels in networking, adept at building and leveraging connections across diverse groups to facilitate collaborative initiatives and partnerships, particularly in Samoa and its neighboring regions.
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.
