The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) strengthened their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the margins of the SPREP Fiji Donors and Partners Dialogue on 17 April 2026.
The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration between IOM and SPREP in priority areas of mutual interest, including climate mobility, disaster risk reduction, community resilience, and regional coordination. Through this partnership, both organisations reaffirm their commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries and communities as they address increasing climate and disaster-related challenges, with a strong focus on people-centred and evidence-based approaches.
SPREP Director General Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, stressed the importance of this partnership.
“We're addressing something that looks at the other end of the scale. In addressing climate change impacts, we have mitigation and adaptation but beyond adaptation is loss and damage. Through the work of IOM within the loss and damage space, we must ensure when people have to move or transition elsewhere that this can be done so they are in control and its as less invasive and intrusive as possible on their current way of life.”
“Together, we will endure to address mobility from a humanitarian side and dignified side of climate change impacts for our people,” added Mr Nawadra.
At the signing ceremony, IOM Chief of Mission and Sub-Regional Coordinator Mr Solomon Kantha said “This partnership reflects a shared vision, by working together, IOM and SPREP aim to enhance collective action, reduce duplication of efforts, and contribute to stronger outcomes for Pacific communities most affected by climate change.”
“This builds on the long-standing engagement of both organisations in the region and underlines the importance of collaboration in addressing complex, cross-border challenges that connect migration, environment, and climate change for our people. Working together, we strengthen a people-centered approach to environmental action, one that recognises that protecting the environment also means protecting people, livelihoods, and dignity,” added Kantha.
SPREP and IOM have stressed that this is not just another document, it is something both organisations have vowed to see through the implementation of shared priorities. – SPREP/IOM Joint Media Release
Images: IOM