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Canada Strengthens Ties with Fiji and Pacific Island Countries
7-24-2024
June 26, 2024 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, along with Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East, met with leaders of the Fijian community to discuss shared priorities such as gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy:
Canada has made significant progress towards establishing its first mission to Fiji.
A second resident diplomat has been stationed in Suva as Canada’s first Head of Cooperation in the region, to enhance development cooperation with Pacific Island Countries.
Current Development Projects:
Kiwa Initiative:
A multi-donor project administered by the Agence française de développement, supporting Pacific Island communities highly vulnerable to climate change. Canada has contributed $16 million, including a recent $6 million top-up.
Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands:
This $2 million project, administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to increase the resilience and adaptability of fishermen and fisherwomen to climate change.
Reducing COVID-19-Related Food Insecurity in the Pacific Islands:
A $3.65 million project, also administered by FAO, addressing food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic.
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 expanding our footprint in Fiji.”
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick Facts:
Since 2021, Canada has provided approximately $4 million annually in bilateral international assistance to support the priorities of Pacific Island Countries.
As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Canada is establishing its first bilateral development program in the Pacific Island Countries, with $30 million in new funding. The program will focus on climate change, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and strengthening resilience to natural disasters and extreme weather events.
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 39 projects in Fiji through the CFLI.
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