Leaders from Pacific Island countries have called for a robust 21st replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA21), echoing similar appeals from African Heads of State who agreed in April on a bold transformation agenda with IDA as a cornerstone. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, leaders and representatives from 11 countries met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga last week and reaffirmed IDA’s critical role in supporting Pacific islands to boost development and climate resilience.
IDA provides grants and concessional finance to those most in need, multiplying every donor dollar four times to deliver urgently needed impact. The fund is replenished every three years, with donor countries set to meet in South Korea this December to finalize this pledging period.
“If IDA21 meets the mark, the potential for positive change in the Pacific is enormous. With the right support, Pacific nations can build a transformative and resilient Pasifiki, for a prosperous future now, for generations to come,” said Prime Minister of Tonga and Forum Chair Hu’akavemeiliku.
Leaders and representatives from Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu discussed with Banga ways IDA21 can support development priorities outlined in the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The region faces unique challenges including geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and severe climate change impacts. The 18 countries of the Pacific Islands Forum are custodians of nearly 20 percent of the earth’s surface.
The 2050 Strategy outlines a vision for a resilient future focusing on climate action, connectivity improvements, and job creation. Its success depends on enhanced cooperation and strong leadership across all levels of society.
Pacific leaders emphasized that IDA’s concessional financing is crucial for implementing their collective goals. Significant contributions include improved infrastructure and disaster resilience projects like the recently approved Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project.
In their joint statement following discussions with Banga, leaders called for increased access to concessional finance and endorsed efforts to channel 45% of financing into climate-related activities. They commended ongoing efforts to make World Bank operations more efficient.
“That is why we call on IDA donors to ensure a strong and robust replenishment for IDA this year,” said Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the World Bank Group.”
While acknowledging global economic challenges facing many donors, leaders urged them to recognize pressing needs faced by vulnerable countries—a sentiment echoed by African leaders at April's Nairobi Summit.