Green Climate Fund

Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and the executive director of the GCF, Yannick Glemarec, have met in Kigali in Rwanda ahead of the Commonwealth leaders meeting.

Hu'akavameiliku was seeking an update on possible funding from the body after Tonga suffered severe damage due to two recent cyclones, and a volcanic eruption and tsunami earlier this year.

Mr Glemarec said his agency is working on the latest Tonga proposal on coastal resilience and it may go to the board for consideration early 2023.

The dialogue’s main focus is to “strengthen the capacity of Pacific Island countries and their involvement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and to accelerate the implementation of projects and programmes approved by the Fund.” 

The forum will enable Pacific Island countries and Accredited Entities to share their experiences in engaging with the Fund across key areas.

The agreement was signed in advance of the upcoming GCF Structured Dialogue with the Pacific that will take place in Tongatapu, Tonga from 18 to 21 July.

Pursuant to a decision by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Parties recommended to enter into bilateral agreements with the Green Climate Fund by promptly providing Privileges and Immunities.

The announcement further improves opportunities for cooperation between the Pacific region and the GCF. Late last year Fiji’s Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Project was one of the first eight from around the world to be approved for funding, and earlier this week Cook Islands became the first Pacific country and Small Island Developing State to receive a readiness support grant from the GCF.

Opposition Labour party member Su'a William Sio made the comments after the Cook Islands became the first in the Pacific to get money through the GCF.

The money is intended to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change.