Minister Hussen reaffirms Canada’s engagement and support to the Pacific Islands
News release
June 26, 2024 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East, met with Fijian community leaders and discussed shared priorities such as gender equality, climate action and sustainable development.
In line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, important strides have been made towards establishing Canada’s first mission to Fiji. Canada now has a second resident diplomat in Suva as Canada’s first Head of Cooperation in the region to strengthen development cooperation with Pacific Island Countries.
The Minister also highlighted international development support projects already operating in the region, including the following:
- The Kiwa Initiative, a multi-donor project administered by the Agence française de développement supporting communities in the Pacific Islands Countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, to which Canada is contributing $16 million (including a recent $6 million top-up).
- Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands, a project that aims to increase the resilience and adaptability of fishermen and fisherwomen to the climate changes affecting their livelihoods and food security, valued at $2 million and administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- Reducing COVID-19-Related Food Insecurity in the Pacific Islands, a project valued at $3.65 million and administered by FAO.
Quotes
“Active participation in the Indo-Pacific region is essential if we want to address global challenges head on, which is why we are strengthening our engagement with the Pacific Island Countries by establishing our first bilateral development program and by expanding our footprint in Fiji.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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Since 2021, Canada has provided approximately $4 million per year in bilateral international assistance to support the Pacific Island Countries’ priorities.
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As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Canada is establishing its first bilateral development program in the Pacific Island Countries to strengthen development cooperation with $30 million in new funding. The program will focus mainly on climate change, gender equality and empowerment of women, and strengthening resilience to natural disasters and extreme weather events.
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Canada supports small and community-focused projects in Fiji through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). Since 2012, Canada has contributed over $1.59 million to organizations implementing the CFLI in Fiji through 39 projects.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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