The Tuvalu Government convened a high-level donor roundtable meeting together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and UN Development Programme (UNDP), calling for urgent action to safeguard its future and fight against climate change.
The roundtable brought together government leaders from Tuvalu, technical experts, and donor representatives to align efforts around Tuvalu’s national priorities, particularly its pressing need for coastal protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
Discussions focused on medium to long term strategies, including resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, community-led planning, and integrated land-use approaches building on lessons learned from the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) supported by the Green Climate Fund, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) analysis, Tuvalu’s sea level rise projections indicate nearly half of the land area of the capital Funafuti will become routinely inundated during normal monthly high tides by 2050 – 2060. By 2100, less than 10 percent of the land area will remain above the reach of annual high spring tide events.
The roundtable builds on momentum from the discussions and recommendations in the climate conference held in Tuvalu on 30 October 2024, emphasising the importance of safeguards and security measures to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and risk-informed adaptation efforts that protect both people and the ecosystems.
The joint leadership of the Government of Tuvalu, ADB, UNDP, DFAT and MFAT exemplified a unified approach to addressing the nation’s vulnerabilities and advancing its development aspirations.
Tuvalu Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Dr Maina Talia said: “This roundtable is not just about projects. It is about the very survival of our people. It is about unlocking the financial support we urgently need and necessary to secure Tuvalu’s future – the socio-economic systems that support society. We come here with a clear objective – to enhance genuine partnerships to enable immediate and effective mobilisation of support that delivers the most needed climate actions in Tuvalu. Simply – Tuvalu need that support.”
ADB’s deputy Regional Director in Fiji, Emma Allen said: “The purpose of today’s meeting and discussions taking place is all about strengthening development partner coordination and having development results for Tuvalu. We would like to have a shared vision for the medium to long term coastal adaptation in Tuvalu.”
UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel said: “UNDP has walked alongside Tuvalu for many years supporting its journey towards resilience and sustainable development. Today’s roundtable reaffirms our partnership and shared responsibility, and we remain committed to long-term, community-drive solutions that protect the people of Tuvalu, preserve the culture and secure its future against the rising tides. The work ahead is urgent but together, it is possible.”
The donor roundtable reaffirmed the shared commitment in supporting Tuvalu’s resilience and development. With renewed collaboration, Tuvalu is charting a path toward resilience and sustainable development.
