THE ORIGINS OF THE COMMONWEALTH PACIFIC CLIMATE FUND

In 2020, James E. Harris was appointed by the government of the Republic of Vanuatu—to establish an Honorary Consulate in the United Kingdom to bolster Vanuatu’s ties with a post-Brexit UK.

In support of this mission, James appointed Mark Jukes as Vice Honorary Consul, and together, they have since proudly represented Vanuatu in the UK and the Commonwealth.

In July 2023, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu MP, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment of the Republic of Vanuatu, further appointed James and Mark as Special Advisors to his office. Their mandate: to mobilise private sector funding for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.

At COP 28 in December 2023, Mark accompanied Hon. Matai Seremiah MP, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, in a bilateral meeting with the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

During this meeting, both parties agreed to collaborate closely in promoting inward climate-related investment to the Pacific region. They also affirmed their support for the Vanuatu-led CPCF initiative, recognising its potential to drive sustainable economic growth and climate resilience to the Commonwealth’s Pacific island member states.

In July 2024, James hosted an official reception in London to mark the formal launch of the CPCF. The event brought together:

• Hon. Ralph Regenvanu MP
• Representatives from the Commonwealth and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
• Members of The King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative
• Senior figures from London-based financial institutions
• Strategic partners and stakeholders

This landmark event set the stage for a new era of climate finance collaboration, ensuring the CPCF will serve as a catalyst for private sector investment in sustainable development across the Pacific.