CIVIL society has called for inclusive spaces to voice community experiences and challenges in climate mobility policymaking.
Director of Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), Emeline Siale Ilolahia said the gap between high-level policies and lived realities of communities facing climate mobility must be bridged.
“Civil society and churches seek ongoing opportunities for dialogue, learning, and strategic input alongside governments and donors; mobility is not new to the Pacific, and existing community migration practices should inform policy frameworks,’’ she said at a workshop in Nadi.
“The framework should support safe and accessible movement for Pacific people, addressing barriers proactively.”
Traditional migration patterns inform contemporary mobility challenges; historically, Pacific migration has been supported by strong family and community ties, ensuring a home base.
She said climate change disrupts these patterns, raising questions about how to preserve cultural continuity and support migrants.
“Civil society challenges the categorisation of mobility that might oversimplify Pacific experiences and calls for transparency about potential hidden agendas; there is a need for honest conversations that reflect community realities, avoiding narratives that deter engagement.”
Policy coherence is needed across sectors such as education and livelihoods, with Civil society advocating for integrated policies that support migrants’ adaptation and citizenship in host countries.
“Questions remain about how Pacific people will access education and livelihoods abroad, including schemes like New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category,’’ Ilolahia said.
“Holistic approaches are essential to help migrants thrive and contribute positively to host communities.”