U.S. Dollar Three Million Commitment from Taiwan to Pacific Initiative
The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) has received a significant boost with Taiwan pledging US$3 million to help address climate issues in the Pacific islands. This contribution comes after the facility, the first Pacific-led regional fund dedicated to improving community resilience, already raised more than US$170 million.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Kausea Natano of Tuvalu, an ally of Taiwan in the region, during the recent Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit. However, Taiwan was not able to interact with PIF members and other partners through the event in the Solomon Islands.
The decision not to invite Taiwan was made through a PIF internal mechanism, as this year, the host country did not invite dialogue and development partners to the summit because a review of each country's relationship with the Pacific islands had not been completed.
Despite the exclusion, Taiwan's status as a development partner, established by the 1992 PIF leaders' communique, would remain the same. A communique issued by PIF members at the end of the summit reaffirmed Taiwan's involvement in its events as a "development partner."
Japan has also pledged US$3 million to the PRF, similar to Taiwan's contribution. The US has pledged US$25 million, and Australia has promised to donate US$64 million to the facility.
The PRF's goal is to build the resilience, preparedness, and adaptive capacity of poor communities before disasters strike. It aims to help vulnerable people of the region who are exposed to climate change and disaster risks. The facility's objective aligns with Taiwan and like-minded partners' aim to continue contributing to peace, stability, regional development, and prosperity in the Pacific island region.
The donation from Taiwan is to be distributed over three years. The PRF's website states that it aims to support the region's efforts to build a more resilient future in the face of climate change and disaster risks.
Reports earlier suggested that the decision to exclude Taiwan was a result of political interference by China to block Taiwan's participation. However, the internal mechanisms of the PIF have not made any official statements regarding these claims.
Despite the challenges, Taiwan remains an indispensable partner that has long contributed to the PRF and the region's development. The PRF's success is a testament to the power of collective action and partnership in addressing the complex challenges faced by the Pacific islands.
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