Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has marked Tuvalu’s 47th independence anniversary with a strong call for resilience, unity, and global partnership, while warning that climate change and sea level rise remain the country’s most pressing security threat.
“Climate change and sea level rise remain the greatest security threat to Tuvalu. And it continues to be the top development priority of the government,” Teo told the nation during his anniversary address.
He paid tribute to Tuvalu’s founding leaders and acknowledged the struggles of nationhood since independence in 1978, but said Tuvalu had persevered and remained an active member of the global family of nations.
“So, I pay tributes and honour the legacies of our founding fathers and all the leaders of Tuvalu, past and present… All your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated and remain a testament to the resilience of Tuvalu as a country, a community and a people.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the theme for this year’s independence — “Tuvalu Forward: Resilient, Connected, and Prosperity through Partnership” — as a forward-looking vision that recognises the country’s vulnerabilities but also its strength in unity and collaboration.
Teo outlined progress in climate adaptation, including Cabinet’s endorsement of Tuvalu’s National Adaptation Plan and the expansion of the flagship Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP).
“The successful completion of the original TCAP has unlocked further partner funding to expand adaptive measures on Fogafale, Funafuti home to more than half of the resident population of Tuvalu,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Tuvalu’s international advocacy, noting that the United Nations General Assembly is considering a declaration on sea level rise in 2026.
“But we cannot afford to wait for those long, and drawn-out international processes. We must act to keep our house in order with the means at our disposal,” he stressed.
On infrastructure and connectivity, Teo said new investments in shipping and aviation are transforming mobility within Tuvalu and the region.
He praised the arrival of the MV Manu Sina as a “significant upgrade in safety and comfort” and confirmed Fiji Airways had agreed to provide airfare discounts for students and patients.
“Fiji Airways has agreed to provide a 20 percent discount on fares for students and patients, and to reserve the lowest seat classes exclusively for Tuvalu nationals booking through the Tuvalu Travel Office.
“In addition, the Government is now considering targeted subsidies to further reduce airfare costs for our nationals and make travel more affordable for all Tuvaluans.
“In terms of air services, the newly re-surfaced runway on Funafuti has provided for smoother and safer flight operations and has enabled the addition of a fifth weekly flight from Nadi,” he said.
The Prime Minister also announced a major milestone in digital connectivity: the official activation of the Te Vaka submarine cable.
“Today, on our 47th Independence Anniversary, I am pleased to officially announce that the Te Vaka Cable is now switched on delivering world-class internet connectivity for Tuvalu. To mark this historic milestone, your government will provide free internet access for the next three days to all Tuvaluans,” Teo declared.
Teo acknowledged Tuvalu’s high cost of living as a serious challenge.
“A report into the high cost of living in Tuvalu was recently completed… and it reaffirmed that Tuvalu faces some of the highest living costs in the Pacific,” he said, outlining government steps to re-channel assistance to low-income households and replace the Price Control Act with a new Fair Pricing and Consumer Protection law.
On revenue generation, he highlighted tuna fisheries as the backbone of the national budget but said diversification is necessary.
“Priority will be given to capitalising on Tuvalu’s marine and maritime resources, leveraging sovereign assets, and exploring digital and online revenue streams to enhance financial sustainability,” he said.
“Revenue from access fees to our tuna fisheries resources remains our major domestic revenue earner contributing over 40 percent to the national budget,” he said.
He said recent Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Leaders meeting hosted by Tuvalu last month highlighted the imperative for PNA countries to increase their participation in the tuna value chain by ensuring more of the catch from PNA waters are processed within PNA countries.
Teo also reported progress on health system reforms, women’s empowerment, electoral reform, and public service modernisation.
He noted the government’s active role in CEDAW discussions and the hosting of national women’s forums, alongside investments in new clinics and overseas medical referral reforms.
On electoral reform, he said consultations with outer island communities and the diaspora would conclude by early 2026, with changes in place ahead of the 2028 elections.
As Tuvalu reflected on 47 years of independence, Teo urged citizens to remain proud and forward-looking.
“As we are reminded today by the theme chosen for this anniversary address, we must be bold and forward-looking, drawing on the strength of resilience and unity of purpose,” he said.
