Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Secretariat in New York, using the meeting to press the case for Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific on climate and development financing.

The Prime Minister stressed the urgent need for greater climate finance, stronger support for adaptation and meaningful funding for loss and damage. He described climate change as an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific island states.

Prime Minister Wale also raised the high cost of development in island economies and the difficulty Small Island Developing States face in accessing concessional finance. He called for vulnerability to be properly recognised through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).

He also highlighted Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He emphasised the need to ensure that the transition does not reduce the country’s access to essential development and resilience financing.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for United Nations support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will help strengthen institutional resilience and capacity in Solomon Islands.

Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s strong commitment to Small Island Developing States, with particular concern for the Pacific. He also stressed the importance of continued international support for Solomon Islands and the region.

The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly begins today, and Prime Minister Wale is expected to address the Assembly on Friday. He will also hold a series of bilateral meetings and engagements on the margins of the session.