Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka participated in a high-level meeting with Pacific Island Leaders and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. This meeting took place at the Pacific Island Forum and emphasized the collaboration between member countries and the World Bank, which is the largest and oldest multilateral development bank globally.
Banga’s official visit to Fiji, Tuvalu, and Australia from September 4 to 10, 2024, marks the first such visit in half a century. The meeting provided an opportunity for Pacific leaders to engage directly with the World Bank, gaining insight into its strategies and approaches.
Discussions focused on key priorities such as economic prosperity, climate resilience, and sustainable development, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and quality of life for the people in the Pacific. Attention was also given to future financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and the significant replenishment of resources through IDA21 to address the increasing needs of the region.
These discussions are part of renewed efforts between the Pacific and the World Bank to undertake critical regional initiatives, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the draft Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED).
During his speech, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its contributions to infrastructure improvements and its role in Fiji’s developmental journey. He underscored the Bank’s renewed dedication to supporting the Pacific, particularly in health, infrastructure, and job creation, which are essential to Fiji’s and the wider Pacific region’s resilience and prosperity.
Rabuka highlighted the potential of new initiatives and sustainable solutions to further economic development, climate resilience, connectivity, and support for vital sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional solidarity and optimism regarding partnerships with the World Bank leading to tangible developmental outcomes for the Pacific.
In his remarks, President Banga acknowledged the leadership and vision of the Pacific leaders, reaffirming the World Bank’s commitment to support the region’s economic development and climate resilience priorities.
The meeting concluded positively, with a shared commitment to developing an Outcome Statement and a joint action plan focused on key Pacific priorities as part of the 2050 Strategy and the draft Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED).
The high-level meeting included attendance from key Pacific leaders such as Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Prime Minister of Tonga and Forum Chair, Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, along with several others. Some leaders attended virtually, while missions from various member countries were present in Suva.