Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, in his role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, recently unveiled the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Capitalisation Memorandum at the United Nations Headquarters during the 80th UN General Assembly. This move is a milestone in enhancing the Pacific region’s capacity to withstand climate-related challenges.
The PRF is designed to improve access to crucial climate finance for nations like the Solomon Islands and other small island states in the Pacific, which are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Prime Minister Manele emphasized that the initiative represents the resilience and unity among Pacific peoples, aiming to diminish the region’s climate vulnerability.
Fifteen Forum countries, including the Solomon Islands, have already endorsed the PRF agreement at the recent Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara. The facility seeks to amass US$500 million in the next 15 months, serving as a transformative mechanism to close the climate finance accessibility gap for Pacific communities.
Manele expressed that a well-funded PRF will not only support Pacific nations but also serve as an advocate for global changes that ensure fairer distribution of climate resources to small island states. The launch of the PRF Capitalisation Memorandum opens the pledging window from September 2025 to December 2026.
As the first Pacific-owned and led initiative focused on climate and disaster resilience, the PRF aims to eventually manage over US$1.5 billion in assets, highlighting the region’s stride towards self-reliance. This strategic move is set to streamline access to resources, cutting through the typical complexities of global climate financing systems.
International support for the PRF has already been substantial, with significant commitments from nations such as Japan, the United States, and Australia. The PRF’s goal is to secure US$341 million by the end of 2026, setting ambitious benchmarks for future climate discussions.
Overall, the Pacific Resilience Facility stands as a crucial advancement in ensuring that Pacific nations receive the financial and strategic aid necessary to confront climate change. Central to its mission are regional unity and collaboration, supported by a strong international alliance, positioning the PRF as a symbol of hope and progress in the enduring quest for climate resilience in the Pacific.