Fiji and Australia have formally ratified the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty, marking a major step toward putting climate financing directly in the hands of Pacific communities.
The joint move was confirmed Wednesday by Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka and Australian ministers, with both countries lodging their ratification documents at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva in the presence of Secretary General Baron Waqa.
“Australia and Fiji are pleased to announce the formal ratification of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty, a landmark agreement that places Pacific communities in control of their own resilience financing,” a joint statement said.
The treaty establishes the first Pacific-led, owned and managed financing facility focused on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and responding to loss and damage.
“This is an important step toward ensuring Pacific Island Countries have greater resources and control in addressing the growing impacts of climate change.”
Under the agreement, the PRF will provide grant-based funding to support community-driven resilience projects, including efforts linked to clean energy and climate adaptation.
“The PRF is the first Pacific-led, owned and managed community resilience financing facility. It will provide grants for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and projects that respond to loss and damage. It will seize the economic opportunities of clean energy through resilient, community led projects.”
The ratification comes ahead of key regional and global climate events, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host Pre-COP meetings in October, providing a platform to mobilise further support.
“The Pre-COP, to be hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu in October, will bring leaders to the Pacific to see climate impacts and solutions first-hand, with a special session at COP31 to provide a platform for pledges to the PRF.”
Donor countries are being urged to step up contributions as momentum builds toward a major funding target.
“Donors are encouraged to use this opportunity to announce new pledges to maintain momentum towards the ‘USD$1.5 billion for a 1.5-degree world’ fundraising goal.”
Several Pacific countries have already ratified the treaty, including Tonga, Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Niue, signalling strong regional backing for the initiative.
“This is a clear reflection of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ shared resolve to create a Pacific-led institution that puts communities at the centre of resilience financing.”
The ratification clears the way for the PRF’s first round of funding proposals, expected to be launched at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in August 2026.
“This step paves the way for the initial call for proposals, set for launch at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in late August 2026.”
