Pacific leaders established the Pacific Resilience Facility Council on 25 June, launching the region’s first Pacific-owned resilience financing mechanism.
The inaugural Council meeting followed the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Majuro. It marked a major step in putting the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) into operation.
Opening the meeting, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa described the occasion as a milestone for regional cooperation. He said Forum Leaders had directed the creation of a Pacific-owned mechanism to strengthen resilience and support local communities.
“The PRF represents a shift in how we respond to vulnerability—from reactive approaches to proactive, Pacific-led investment in resilience at the community level,” Mr Waqa said.
Council Establishes Governance
During the meeting, Council members confirmed key governance arrangements. They reviewed membership, adopted operating procedures and advanced financial and governance frameworks.
In addition, members considered transitional arrangements to support the Facility as it moves into full operation. They also discussed nominations for the PRF Board, which will oversee the next stage of implementation.
Mr Waqa said the Facility is now legally in force. He added that it will help deliver the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by strengthening regional cooperation and community resilience.
Ministers Highlight Regional Challenges
Meanwhile, Forum Economic Ministers acknowledged the growing challenges facing Pacific Island countries. These include geopolitical tensions, economic pressures and climate change.
Mr Waqa said those challenges require a coordinated regional response. He stressed that Pacific countries must work together and plan for the long term.
He also urged Council members to focus on practical results instead of policy alone.
“The decisions we take today will shape the credibility and impact of the Pacific Resilience Facility in the years ahead,” he said.
Community Resilience at the Centre
The Pacific Resilience Facility will finance small-scale resilience projects across Forum member countries. These projects will help communities prepare for climate change, natural disasters and other emerging risks.
Ultimately, the Facility aims to give Pacific countries greater ownership of resilience funding. It also seeks to ensure that regional commitments produce measurable benefits for Pacific communities.
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