Prof Graham Sem

Environmental Science & Geography Discipline Lead, University of Papua New Guinea

Professor Graham Sem is a leading figure in climate change adaptation, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. His extensive experience in academia and consultancy roles underscores his commitment to enhancing community resilience and informing policy and practice in the face of climate challenges. His work significantly contributes to the global discourse on environmental sustainability and climate action, particularly in the Pacific region. Professor Graham Sem boasts over 20 years of experience addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction issues in collaboration with communities, governments, and international organizations. His work primarily focuses on strengthening capacities and capabilities to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and disaster risks at national, regional, and international levels. He plays a crucial role in assisting countries in mobilizing financial, technical, and human resources necessary for the implementation and management of climate change activities, projects, and programs. A significant aspect of his recent efforts includes the preparation of Nationally Determined Contributions for Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. In addition, Professor Sem has been actively managing the Managalas Project on Forest Protection, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Biodiversity Conservation in Oro Province, Papua New Guinea. He possesses extensive experience in conducting stakeholder consultations with local communities, national governments, and international organizations, developing a deep understanding of their unique challenges and needs. Professor Sem excels in preparing technical and policy documents related to climate change, and he has successfully assisted Pacific Island countries in crafting project proposals for various funding opportunities. His contributions include involvement in initiatives such as the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme, national communications, national adaptation programme of action, vulnerability and adaptation assessments, and regional disaster risk reduction projects. Moreover, he has been instrumental in the development of key policies and frameworks, including NAPA, the International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, the Pilot Programme on Climate Resilience, and the Pacific Adaptation Strategies Assistance Programme. His understanding of the Pacific small island developing states government systems is profound, having lived and worked in the region for over three decades. Additionally, he engages in mentoring experts across these countries, facilitating capacity building and training on various aspects of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.