World Bank President Ajay Banga, in a historic visit to Fiji emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with Pacific nations.
Banga’s visit, the first by a World Bank President to the Pacific in nearly 50 years, highlights a renewed commitment to tackling the region’s unique challenges.
World Bank President Ajay Banga arrived in Fiji Wednesday as part of his tour of the Pacific and Australia, marking a significant moment for the region as he becomes only the third World Bank leader to visit in history.
The visit, which spans from 04 – 06 September, includes high-level meetings with Pacific Islands Forum leaders at the Forum Secretariat today, where discussions centre on the pressing issues affecting the Pacific, including economic growth, climate change, and the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Pacific leaders meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga at the Forum Secretariat include Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Forum Chair and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Nauru President David Adeang, Marshall Islands President Dr Hilda Heine, Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina, and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.
Leaders joining the meeting online include Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, Kiribati Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu, and PNG’s Acting Assistant Secretary and Advisor to the Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Niue Premier Dalton Tagelagi.
Banga was welcomed with a traditional Fijian ceremony Wednesday led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, alongside cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and senior government officials.
The warm reception highlighted the importance of the visit, as it aims to strengthen the relationship between the World Bank and the Pacific.
“This is the first time in 50 years the World Bank President had the privilege to be welcomed into this beautiful country. I’m the lucky one,” Banga said.
He recalled the early days of World Bank involvement in Fiji, including the financing of Queens Road, a key project that connected Nadi and Suva and marked the beginning of the World Bank’s engagement with the country 53 years ago.
“The history of Fiji and the World Bank goes back 53 years. The first project was the highway connecting Nadi and Suva—Queens Road. Now, I’m thinking about the future of what we can do together.”
“While the World Bank and Fiji have a terrific relationship, and over the last five years, we have grown the number of projects we are undertaking here eightfold. I believe this is only the beginning,” he said.
During his visit, Banga emphasised that the World Bank’s commitment extends beyond financial support to include meaningful and strategic partnerships.
“I’m here to learn what Fiji wants to do to look after its people, to give them the right opportunities, the quality of life, jobs, and dignity that every person deserves.
“All I want to do is figure out how we can be very helpful, how we can make it easier for you and your people to benefit from all the things we deserve and enjoy in this beautiful world,” he said.
Banga’s meetings at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat will focus on key issues such as the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project and the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The discussions are expected to address the challenges of access to financial services and the broader vision for a resilient Pacific, highlighting the need for structural changes in how the region interacts with global financial systems.
Banga’s visit also comes at a time when Pacific nations are grappling with the impacts of climate change, which remain a top priority for the region’s leaders.
Banga’s agenda includes visits to local health centres and meetings with private sector representatives, where he will gain firsthand insights into the economic and social challenges facing Pacific communities.
“I’m going to see a health centre, I’m going to meet the private sector. I’m going to meet the Pacific Islands Forum and a number of leaders from around the region to give me a chance to understand better and learn better how the World Bank can be your friends and partners in your journey ahead,” he explained.
