AP-PLAT Co-Hosted a Session at the Adaptation Futures 2025 Conference in New Zealand

Event	“Addressing the Gap: Prioritising Needs of Pacific Island Countries and Territories for Climate and Impact Projection Tools” at the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025)
Date	16 October 2025, 8:30 – 9:15 (NZ time)
Venue	Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zealand
Organizers	• Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT) • blue and tech Co., Ltd. • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) • Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC)

AP-PLAT co-hosted a Knowledge Café session at the Adaptation Futures 2025 Conference in New Zealand on 16 October 2025. Organized in collaboration with blue and tech, CSIRO, and PCCC, the session explored climate and impact projection tools from the perspective of Pacific Island countries’ needs. Despite being scheduled in the first morning slot on the conference’s final day, the 45-minute session attracted between 70 to 80 participants, far exceeding expectations. The strong turnout highlighted the region’s growing interest in accessible and user-friendly climate information.

Session venue: Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zealand.

AF2025 Overview

The 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) is a leading global forum on climate change adaptation, convened every two to three years. It brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry experts, and communicators to exchange innovative ideas, share best practices, and explore collaboration toward a climate-resilient future.

The 2025 conference was held from October 13 to 16, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

A defining feature of AF2025 was its strong focus on the theme “Indigenous Innovation and Leadership,” emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific insight. The program addressed topics such as intergenerational learning, community-led strategies, and the legacy of colonialism. Reflecting its Oceania setting, another key theme was “Oceans, Islands, and Futures,” with active discussions on loss and damage, climate-induced migration, and solutions for small island developing states. Distinguished speakers from UNFCCC, IPCC, UNEP, national governments, and indigenous communities contributed to the program. Sessions took various forms—keynotes, panels, workshops, and Knowledge Cafés—encouraging lively exchange and co-creation among participants.

AP-PLAT’s Contribution

A collaborative Knowledge Café session titled “Addressing the Gap: Prioritising Needs of Pacific Island Countries and Territories for Climate and Impact Projection Tools” was moderated by Reiko Seki (AP-PLAT). The session began with presentations by four presenters: Hiroya Abe (AP-PLAT), Manabu Watanabe (blue and tech – partner company developing the data viewer), Lianne Webb (CSIRO), and Yvette Kerslake (PCCC), followed by an interactive hands-on discussion.

The session aimed to share the current status of climate and impact projection tools applicable to Pacific nations—including ClimoCast and the Climate Impact Viewer—and to gather suggestions for improvement. Discussions focused particularly on resolution, handling of ocean data, and user-friendliness.

Through open dialogue, participants exchanged views on challenges and user needs related to these tools in the island regions of Asia and the Pacific. The session identified gaps and opportunities to enhance the accessibility, relevance, and usability of scientific tools for diverse users, including policymakers, practitioners, and local communities. It marked an important first step toward the co-development of future climate information tools that are regionally tailored, user-friendly, and inclusive.

Presentations by four speakers at the Knowledge Cafe session.

Hands-on part of the session, demonstrating ClimoCast and Climate Impact Viewer.

Collecting diverse ideas for future climate tools.

AP-PLAT would like to thank everyone involved — including the Adaptation Futures 2025 organizers, the Knowledge Café session co-hosts, and all participants — for their valuable contributions and engagement in advancing climate adaptation knowledge.

Related Information

(Posted : 29/Oct/2025)

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