Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu addressed global leaders at COP30, emphasizing the significance of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) as not merely an appeal for sympathy but a strong declaration of self-determination for the Pacific region. During a roundtable discussion at the Pacific Moana Pavilion in Belém, Brazil, Bulitavu underscored that the PRF is a representation of the Pacific’s commitment to shape its future amid the challenges posed by climate change.
First endorsed by Pacific leaders in the Solomon Islands, the PRF aims to mobilize crucial funds to assist vulnerable communities across the Pacific. Bulitavu articulated the initiative’s message to the world, stating, “While the tides rise, the region will rise with them,” showcasing the Pacific’s resilient spirit.
Born from the belief that Pacific communities deserve a financial system that is accessible and directly benefits them, the PRF seeks to address the long-standing frustrations of residents who have often been left waiting for aid through complex funding channels. “For decades, our communities have waited at the end of long and complicated funding chains,” Bulitavu remarked, making it clear that this time the Pacific is determined to manage its own resources.
He announced that the PRF will soon become a fully recognized financial institution, “built by the Pacific, for the Pacific,” which will funnel small grants directly to local farmers, villages, women’s groups, and youth who experience resilience firsthand. So far, US$167 million has been secured with the aim of reaching a capitalization goal of US$500 million by the following year.
Every dollar invested, according to Bulitavu, is not just about infrastructure; it is about restoring hope, safeguarding homes, preserving coastlines, keeping children in school, restoring mangroves, and maintaining the dignity of those most affected by climate change. He called on the international community to contribute, inviting leaders to reinforce the message that the PRF is “the Pacific’s gift to the world,” not just a distant aspiration.
This crucial initiative aligns with previous appeals made by Pacific leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who has urged global partners to lend their support to the PRF as part of a self-sustaining financial mechanism tailored to meet the unique needs of the region. The call for collaboration reflects an ongoing commitment to bolstering resilience and finding localized solutions to climate challenges, reinforcing a hopeful narrative for the Pacific as it navigates the complex landscape of climate transformation.