Canada is strengthening its engagement across the Pacific, committing more than $13 million to initiatives designed to expand economic opportunities, strengthen climate resilience and support communities confronting the growing effects of environmental and economic pressures.
The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, represented Canada at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, during an official visit from September 2 to 4. His participation focused on building stronger relationships with Pacific Island Countries while advancing shared priorities around prosperity, stability and security.
“The Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting is an important opportunity for Canada to work alongside Pacific partners on Pacific-led priorities and solutions. By deepening collaboration with Pacific Islands leaders, Canada is investing in a safer, more stable and resilient region while creating opportunities for shared prosperity that contribute to a more equitable global future,” Sarai said.
That commitment was backed by funding for three projects spanning several Pacific Island Countries.
Canada will provide $5 million for the second phase of Markets for Change, working with UN Women to expand economic opportunities for 9,500 women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Another $4.5 million will support the Melanesian Corridor project with Cowater International, helping remote Indigenous communities in the outer islands of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu strengthen their resilience to climate-induced shocks.
Canada is also investing $3.6 million in the second phase of Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands with the Food and Agriculture Organization. Operating in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the initiative will help coastal communities strengthen fisheries, improve livelihoods and adapt to climate change and economic challenges.
Together, the projects are intended to contribute to a safer, more stable and resilient Indo-Pacific while deepening Canada’s relationships with Pacific Island Countries. They also support broader priorities including economic diversification, women’s economic empowerment and collaborative disaster preparedness.
Sarai used the PIF Leaders Meeting to engage with heads of state and government, senior officials, leaders and ministers from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Niue, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as representatives from the European Union and France.
Climate resilience remained a central theme throughout the visit. On the margins of the forum, Sarai joined France to highlight Canada’s support for Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS), currently chaired by Canada. The initiative reflects efforts to strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards in Pacific Island Countries, where communities frequently face disruptions to infrastructure and livelihoods.
Sarai also travelled to Melekeok to visit the MiCOAST project, funded through the Canada-supported Kiwa Initiative. The project is helping local communities pursue sustainable financial growth while strengthening coastal resilience and fisheries management.
Canada’s participation at the Pacific Islands Forum underscored its continuing effort to build deeper partnerships in a region where economic development, climate resilience and security are increasingly interconnected.
