ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney serves as the focal point for programming, processing, and administering assistance to Nauru, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
In an interview with ADB, Ireland’s Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D., discusses the urgency of the climate change threat in the Pacific, what impact the Fund is already having on the ground, and how other partners can step up to meet this critical challenge.
The 2019 growth forecast for the Pacific subregion has been raised from 3.5% to 4.2%, driven mainly by higher liquefied natural gas production in Papua New Guinea and increased construction expenditure in Samoa and Solomon Islands, as well as lower-than-projected economic decline in Nauru.
While natural disasters greatly hinder economic growth in the South Pacific region, official development assistance significantly mitigates such adverse effects.
The pandemic is producing more household waste and increased amounts of dangerous medical waste. We need to manage these changes for our immediate safety and for the long-term welfare of our communities.
A $15 million grant from an Asian Development Fund (ADF) 12 facility will reduce the burden of pneumonia and diarrhea in children and increase protection against the human papilloma virus in women.
ADB’s Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project helped reinstate bridge approach roads, culverts, and stream crossings and rebuilt three elevated bridges, reestablishing a seamless east–west road link on Guadalcanal and within Honiara. All works incorporated climate- and disaster-proof design.
From clean power to port infrastructure, the Asian Development Fund is transforming the Pacific.
Australia has contributed $8.54 billion in capital subscription as of 31 December 2018. It has contributed and committed $2.86 billion to Special Funds since joining in 1966.
New Zealand has contributed $2.27 billion in capital subscription as of 31 December 2018. It has contributed and committed $198.69 million to Special Funds since joining in 1966.