The Solomon Islands is taking a proactive stance on climate change, advocating for a transformative approach to climate finance at the ongoing 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Thaddeus Siota, Director of the Climate Change Division, represented the collective voice of Pacific Island nations, calling for climate finance systems that are “owned, managed, and led by the Pacific.”
Central to this initiative is the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which Siota referred to as a crucial mechanism for moving away from dependence on external aid. He emphasized that the PRF marks a significant shift from reliance on charity to fostering ownership and investment, tailored to meet the distinct needs and governance structures of Pacific communities.
The PRF aims to empower local communities by ensuring that funding is directed to them directly, thus avoiding the often cumbersome traditional multilateral financial systems that complicate access to essential resources. Siota described this initiative as a “game-changer,” designed to enhance community resilience against escalating climate challenges such as rising sea levels, natural disasters, and food security issues.
With pledges already totaling US$167 million, the PRF has set an ambitious target to raise US$500 million by 2026. The operational timeline currently anticipates the first call for project proposals by late 2025 or early 2026, followed by a three-year pilot phase beginning in 2027. This approach aims to bridge the climate finance gap that has long isolated Pacific nations.
The commitment displayed by the Solomon Islands delegation underscores its determination to secure a climate-resilient future for the entire Pacific region through innovative and collaborative solutions. Siota has called on external partners to fully engage with the PRF, emphasizing that their support is vital as discussions on climate action continue into COP31. His closing remarks, “Iumi tugeda — we leave no one behind,” embody the collective resolve of Pacific leaders to protect their communities and environments.
The establishment of the PRF, the first international financial institution owned and managed by Pacific governments, represents a pioneering effort to tackle the historical inadequacies in climate financing for the region. With growing support from both local leaders and international allies, the PRF fosters a hopeful narrative for the Pacific, promoting resilience and self-reliance while addressing the urgent climate crisis through dedicated, community-driven initiatives. As this movement gains momentum, there is optimism for a sustainable environmental future for Pacific nations.