CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) of Kiribati plays a pivotal role in advancing the nation's Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (CCDRM) agenda. Recognizing the country's acute vulnerability to climate change impacts—such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion—MFED collaborates closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to integrate climate resilience into national development planning.

A central component of this effort is the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (KJIP), which outlines strategies for enhancing resilience and sustainable development. MFED contributes to the implementation of the KJIP by aligning fiscal policies and mobilizing resources to support climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

To facilitate access to international climate finance, MFED has established a dedicated Climate Finance Division. This division is tasked with engaging with global funding mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, to secure financial resources for climate-related projects. In 2024, Kiribati launched its National Climate Financing Strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's capacity to mobilize and manage climate finance effectively.

Furthermore, MFED is involved in the coordination and oversight of the Kiribati National Expert Group on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (KNEG), which serves as the principal advisory body for CCDRM at the national level. KNEG's responsibilities include developing joint national action plans, conducting vulnerability assessments, and providing strategic advice on climate and disaster risk initiatives.

Through these concerted efforts, MFED ensures that climate change and disaster risk considerations are systematically integrated into Kiribati's economic planning and public financial management, thereby enhancing the nation's resilience and sustainable development prospects.