Australia Awards Vanuatu alumna, Yvette Tari, recently attended the Climate Adaptation 2025 Conference held in Perth, Western Australia. Representing Vanuatu, Yvette joined a diverse delegation of experts, policymakers and community leaders in discussing effective responses to climate vulnerability and resilience building across the region.
As one of Australia’s leading events focused exclusively on climate vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation, the conference provided a critical platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships. Key themes included decision-making and governance, climate-resilient infrastructure, risk assessment, nature-based solutions, and communicating climate action.
Currently a Pacific Analyst Program Coordinator with the Pacific Fusion Centre, Yvette brought to the conference a rich background in community-based resilience, shaped by her work in Vanuatu with vulnerable communities and traditional knowledge systems. Her grassroots perspective added unique insight to global conversations around climate adaptation and inclusive disaster response strategies.
Reflecting on her experience, Yvette shared: “One of the strongest takeaways was the critical role of data—how good data management leads to effective policies and successful project implementation. It was clear that when organisations present data clearly, their work becomes more visible, actionable, and impactful.”
Throughout the three-day program, Yvette engaged in plenary sessions, thematic presentations, and practical workshops, all of which emphasised the importance of collaboration, data transparency, and community ownership. She highlighted the powerful presence of career professionals and Indigenous leaders, whose work demonstrated real-world success in climate adaptation and offered meaningful inspiration for future efforts.
One of the most memorable aspects of the event, according to Yvette, was the atmosphere of positivity and solution-focused dialogue. “People spoke from the heart,” she noted. “The sessions were not only insightful but grounded in purpose, and the energy in the room was both motivating and empowering.”
Yvette’s participation not only enriched her own professional development but also helped amplify the Pacific voice in global climate discussions. Her experience underscored the importance of visibility, collaboration, and data-informed action in building long-term resilience.
Congratulations to Yvette Tari on representing Vanuatu with distinction and contributing meaningfully to climate adaptation efforts at both the local and global levels.