Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Secretariat in New York, raising key climate and development priorities for Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for greater climate finance, stronger adaptation support and meaningful funding for loss and damage.
He stressed that climate change is an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific island states.
Prime Minister Wale also raised the high cost of development and access to concessional finance for Small Island Developing States, including the need to recognise vulnerability through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
The Prime Minister Wale highlighted Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country status and the need to ensure this does not reduce access to essential development and resilience financing.
He expressed appreciation for United Nations support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will contribute to strengthening institutional resilience and capacity in Solomon Islands.
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ strong commitment to Small Island Developing States, with particular concern for the Pacific.
The UN Secretary General also reaffirmed the importance of continued international support for Solomon Islands and the region.
The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly begins on Monday in New York, with Prime Minister Wale expected to address the General Assembly on Friday.
The Prime Minister will also hold a series of bilateral meetings and engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
