Solomon Islands PM Calls for Grant-Based Climate Finance at UN

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged the international community to provide climate finance through grants and national budget systems, saying the current project-based approach is inadequate for countries facing severe climate impacts.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Wale highlighted the growing effects of climate change on Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations. He called on major greenhouse gas-emitting countries to make substantial emissions cuts and move away from fossil fuels.

Wale said climate support, including funding for loss and damage, should be provided as grants and delivered through national budget systems. He argued that project-based financing does not match the scale of the climate crisis, particularly for vulnerable countries that have contributed relatively little to global emissions.

He also stressed that nations should not have to choose between addressing climate change and funding essential services such as education, healthcare, food and water security.

The Prime Minister called for full capitalization of the Pacific Resilience Facility and an ambitious, timely third replenishment of the Green Climate Fund.

His remarks followed the Solomon Islands government’s approval of US$9.38 million for shelter recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila. Wale noted that the funding was also urgently needed for essential public services.