This paper provides an outline of the unique challenges of urbanisation and urban growth in the Pacific. It provides the following:

• a detailed understanding of why it is important to address Pacific island urbanisation and urban growth, its unique features and a focus on informal settlements;
• the challenge of urban strategy implementation in the Pacific context;
• a recommendation to apply an urban resilience approach to address the unique challenges faced by Pacific island countries; and
• practical recommendations for relevant stakeholders on how to build urban resilience in Pacific towns and cities.