SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for greater climate finance and adaptation support for Pacific Island states during talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York.
Wale stressed the need for meaningful financing for loss and damage, saying climate change remains an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific countries.
He also highlighted the high cost of development faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and called for better access to concessional finance, including through recognition of countries’ vulnerabilities under the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country status was also raised, with Wale stressing the need to ensure the transition does not reduce access to essential development and resilience financing.
Wale also acknowledged UN support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will support institutional resilience and capacity in the Solomon Islands.
Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to SIDS, particularly Pacific Island countries, and the continued international support for Solomon Islands and the wider region.
The meeting comes as the 81st session of the UN General Assembly begins in New York, with Wale scheduled to address the General Assembly on Friday.
He is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the General Assembly.
