The Pacific symposium on loss and damage: Understanding non-economic losses. data, policy and capacity for action will bring together stakeholders from across the Pacific to exchange knowledge, evidence, tools and practical approaches for understanding and addressing non-economic losses and damages.
It will explore methodologies for measuring, monitoring and valuing non-economic losses, while examining how stronger data, policy coherence and institutional capacity can support their integration into national and regional strategies and international processes. The symposium will also strengthen collaboration among UN agencies, academia, civil society and local communities, and contribute to evidence and reporting on loss and damage in the Pacific.
Background
Small island developing States of the Pacific are among the most exposed to and impacted by the negative consequences of climate change. Among other things, their reality is characterized by sea-level rise, ocean warming and acidification, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent and severe cyclones.
The impact is seen in coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, flooding, food security, and critical infrastructure. The socio-economic and environmental toll is growing, and climate risks with it.
Beyond economic costs, Pacific communities are increasingly highlighting non-economic losses as a critical dimension of climate impacts. These include the loss of cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, identity, sense of place, and spiritual connections to land and ocean. Human mobility, specifically displacement and potential relocation, is another critical concern, particularly as it is deeply connected with territory, traditions, languages, and identity.
Loss and damage has therefore become a priority for the Pacific. Countries are pursuing action regionally and nationally on measuring loss and damage, including Non-Economic Loss (NEL), revising policy frameworks, and exploring options for financing.
The event is held as part of the Pacific Climate Week in 2026.
Registration upon invitation
Organizers
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific, Pacific Community, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Santiago Network, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Food Programme (WFP)
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Where:
Nadi, Fiji
