Enhancing Cooperation on Climate Resilient in Tuvalu

On Friday, August 16th, Tuvalu proudly hosted its inaugural Global Cooperation Training Framework (GCTF) event. The nation welcomed an array of distinguished delegates, including:

• Minister Steve Victor from Palau
• Japan Ambassador Rokuichiro Michii to Fiji
• Mr. Michael Glees, Deputy Director of USAID
• Mr. Bear Clanry B. Salomon, Climate Change Coordinator, Ministry of Environment, Republic of the Marshall Islands
• Dr. Ludvig Löwemark, Professor, Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
• Mr. Taiji Watanabe from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Project Coordinator for the “Project for Innovative Solutions for the Pacific Climate Change Resilience (ISPCCR)”
• Members of the diplomatic corps in Tuvalu, including Ambassador Andrew Lin and Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu, Brenton Garlick
• Representatives from the World Bank, Asia Development Bank, Island Leaders, Government Officials, NGOs, Tuvalu Women Council and Tuvalu Youth Representatives.

In his closing remarks, the Honorable Prime Minister of Tuvalu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan, the United States of America, Australia, Japan, and Canada for their steadfast support. “Cooperation is key, and we should leverage this platform to enhance our collaborative efforts with all partners—particularly Taiwan for financing this first-GCTF event to be hosted in Tuvalu.”

Hon. Maina V. Talia, Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, a staunch advocate for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), urged other nations to support the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). “I challenge GCTF countries to seriously consider joining Tuvalu and other Pacific countries in signing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This is the only way we can address the root causes of climate change-related sea level rise and build Tuvalu climate resilient,” he emphasized.

Hon. Talia highlighted the importance of coastal protection as a long-term solution to safeguard his people and properties. He reemphasized the significance of partnerships in implementing long-term goals, such as the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) and other related projects.

The government of Tuvalu has completed all necessary paperwork with UNDP, and TCAP 1A is ready to commence. The total cost for TCAP 1A is up to US$19.5 million. Tuvalu is grateful to the Australian Government, New Zealand, and Taiwan for their unwavering support.

The Republic of China - Taiwan has contributed 3 million AUD towards TCAP. “This direct contribution to TCAP 1A removes many hurdles the local office faced in the past,” noted Hon. Talia. “Taiwan’s support for TCAP and our climate change and energy projects must not go unnoticed. It should be well pronounced and acknowledged.”

Tuvalu would like to enhance the GCTF platform to further their discussion and collaboration with countries in building the country’s resilient and sustainable future.