Fiji’s Ministry of Finance is moving to fix critical delays in post-disaster needs and damage assessments that slow the country’s response and limit timely access to external support. Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said those delays weaken Fiji’s ability to mobilize aid when it’s most needed, and confirmed reforms to put clear, sector-specific disaster risk finance plans in place so funds can flow quickly to priority areas.
“To restore critical infrastructure, protect livelihoods, and safeguard essential health and education services. We fully support the development of the regulations and guidelines mandated under Fiji’s Climate Change Act that exist to support evidence-based decision making, budgeting and risk-informed public investment decision,” he said.
Prof Prasad pointed to recent International Monetary Fund findings that the rising frequency and severity of disasters across the Pacific threaten economic stability, and noted that the World Bank’s Climate Risk Country Profile ranks Fiji among the world’s most climate‑vulnerable countries. He said these realities expose weaknesses in the current development financing framework and underscore the urgency of improving access to climate finance. Domestically, he emphasized that Fiji must recalibrate planning and macroeconomic policies to integrate climate and disaster risks more effectively.
The reforms build on Fiji’s broader push to secure more accessible and appropriate climate financing. Prof Prasad has repeatedly urged multilateral development banks such as the World Bank and ADB to streamline access and expand grants, warning that small island states cannot rely solely on loans, even at concessional rates. The government has also secured a standby loan from Japan as a preparedness measure for climate-related emergencies, while advancing green financing initiatives and working with partners including Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.
Ahead of COP29, Fiji took an assertive stance on climate finance and the emerging loss and damage mechanisms, preparing strong proposals and advocating for clearer, faster pathways to funding. Prof Prasad has highlighted the scale of Fiji’s needs: constructing more than 200 sea walls, relocating over 40 vulnerable villages, protecting over 100,000 hectares of farmland from saltwater intrusion, and extending renewable off‑grid power to schools and health centers—vital for the roughly 80,000 children who still struggle to study due to limited electricity access. Strengthening resilience in clinics, schools, airports, and jetties remains a priority after repeated extreme weather events.
Why this matters: faster, sector-specific assessments are the hinge between disaster impacts and funding flows. When assessments are slow, disbursements are delayed and rebuilding drags. Clear methodologies, pre-agreed triggers, and standardized sector templates can shave weeks off response timelines, while the Climate Change Act’s regulations can help ensure decisions are data-driven and investments are risk‑informed. Training surge teams, digitizing field data collection, and pre-positioning budget lines for rapid deployment will further speed recovery.
Outlook: By tightening its assessment processes and aligning finance to priority sectors, Fiji can accelerate the restoration of roads, bridges, water systems, clinics, and classrooms after shocks—protecting livelihoods and keeping essential services running. Coupled with persistent advocacy for grant financing and simplified access through global funds and development banks, these reforms can unlock resources at the pace disasters demand, offering a pragmatic and hopeful path to greater resilience.
Additional comments to add value:
– Sector-specific disaster risk finance plans typically identify pre-costed priorities, responsible agencies, and disbursement rules. Clear roles reduce duplication and speed procurement.
– Integrating climate risk into macro policy can include contingency funds, conservative debt buffers, and investment screening that prioritizes resilient infrastructure.
– Consistent data standards shared across ministries (Finance, Climate, Infrastructure, Health, Education) improve comparability of damage estimates and strengthen funding applications.
Summary:
Fiji is overhauling its post-disaster assessment system to speed aid mobilization and channel funds to priority sectors, supported by regulations under the Climate Change Act. Citing IMF and World Bank analyses of rising climate risks, Prof Biman Prasad says Fiji must integrate risk into planning and push for more accessible climate finance—favoring grants and streamlined processes with MDBs—while addressing substantial resilience needs across communities and critical infrastructure.
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