Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya has met with officials from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat as discussions continue on shaping the next cycle of global environmental and climate financing under GEF-9.

The GEF Assembly provides member countries with an opportunity to influence future funding priorities and allocation mechanisms for climate and environmental programmes worldwide.

Representing Fiji and the Pacific region in her capacity as Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), Tabuya is advocating for funding arrangements that better address the unique challenges faced by island nations.

Key priorities being advanced include improving access to climate finance, accelerating funding approvals, and ensuring financial support is tailored to the realities of Pacific countries.

Fiji is also seeking increased investment in coastal protection, water security, climate-resilient infrastructure, climate-related loss and damage initiatives, and innovative measures such as climate insurance.

The engagement is seen as critical to ensuring Pacific voices are reflected in decisions that will guide the distribution of billions of dollars in climate and environmental funding over the coming years.

The visit to the GEF Assembly is fully funded by the Global Environment Facility.