World Bank Pacific

22/09/2025

In the Federated States of Micronesia 🇫🇲, we're transforming how we work to deliver faster results for communities.

Through procurement reforms, tenders are now being brought together under a single agreement which means less paper work and less time lost. That means new infrastructure and services are reaching communities sooner, improving livelihoods for families across FSM.

19/09/2025

🇫🇯Ni sa bula vinaka and Happy Friday! We are proud to be supporting the first Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) Conference in Nadi (22 - 25 September) alongside Fiji National University, Pacific-Community-SPC and the Ministry of itaukei Affairs. We are committed to supporting ITK in Fiji and the Pacific, as it is critical for achieving sustainable development, fostering local decision-making, and enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of development programs. 🙌

📆 Next week, from 22 – 25 September 2025, the inaugural Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) Conference in the Pacific will be held at FNU Campus, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji, in partnership with SPC, World Bank, and Fiji Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. This conference is bringing together over 300 participants, including cultural knowledge holders, experts, and partners.

This landmark event will showcase how ITK is not just a heritage to safeguard and pass on but a vital resource for tackling today’s pressing development challenges, from climate resilience and food security to sustainable livelihoods and cultural safeguarding. Stay tuned with us as we explore, share, and amplify the power of Pacific knowledge to shape a sustainable and resilient future.

➡️ Read more here: https://www.spc.int/updates/blog/dynamic-story/2025/09/na-vuku-ni-vanua-charting-our-cultural-destiny-indigenous-and

18/09/2025

The World Bank has announced the appointment of Han Fraeters as the World Bank's Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu🇵🇬🇸🇧🇻🇺.
This first-time appointment of a Director level position based in Port Moresby reflects the World Bank’s commitment to moving Bank leadership closer to clients, marking a global shift toward faster, more effective, and higher-impact development support.
More: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/09/18/world-bank-appoints-new-division-director-for-papua-new-guinea-solomon-islands-and-vanuatu

18/09/2025

Millions of Pacific Islanders, including farmers, small business owners, and families rely on remittances and uninterrupted access to global finance. That’s why the Pacific Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project is more than just banking support - it’s a lifeline for jobs, trade, and livelihoods.

This regional initiative, in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum, will ensure markets stay open, payments keep flowing, and people continue to earn, sell, and provide for their communities.
Together, along with the governments of Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, we are safeguarding remittances and trade finance channels, boosting economic inclusion and providing confidence that Pacific jobs and families won’t be left behind.

Learn more: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/09/02/safeguarding-financial-lifelines-in-the-pacific

16/09/2025

🇵🇬 Happy 50th Independence, Papua New Guinea! 🎉

For five decades, PNG has shown resilience and determination in shaping its own path to progress and the World Bank Group is proud to stand alongside the people of PNG.

Working in partnership with the government, we are currently supporting 10 projects for job creation, education, infrastructure and more.

We wish all Papua New Guineans a day of momentous celebration and look forward to the next 50 years!

15/09/2025

The World Bank has appointed Carlos Felipe Jaramillo as Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region, effective September 15, 2025.
Read more: http://wrld.bg/kQ0n50WWwXL

10/09/2025

Across the Pacific, big development challenges and complex projects require practical solutions.

That’s why the World Bank is working side-by-side with governments to make procurement faster, smarter, and more effective. We provide real-time help to overcome bottlenecks so critical investments like seawalls, renewable energy, and resilient infrastructure are delivered on time.

For Marshallese communities, this means earlier access to safer roads, stronger health systems, and more reliable energy. 🇲🇭🇲🇭

08/09/2025

🇹🇻 ✈️ From rising tides to resilient runways, Tuvalu’s story is one of bold leadership, resilient engineering innovations, and long-term commitment.

“People live just meters from the edge, and the runway connects them to everything from food and medicine to education and emergency evacuations. It’s one of the most unique and essential runways in the world.” said Satoshi Ogita, the lead of the World Bank supported Tuvalu Safety and Resilience in Aviation Project.

We’re excited to see how innovation will continue to keep Tuvalu’s communities connected with the rest of the world.

Learn more: http://wrld.bg/clWZ50WBwnq

29/08/2025

🇸🇧A major milestone for Solomon Islands’ energy future!🇸🇧

A massive Tunnel Boring Machine has successfully reached the Tina River dam site near Honiara. Once assembled the machine will be 75 meters long and will bore a 3.2 km tunnel through gravel and sandstone to help build the nation’s first large-scale hydropower station.

The machine’s safe arrival marks another step forward in one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Solomon Islands’ history. Tunneling will begin later this year —paving the way for clean, affordable, and more reliable power for over 180,000 Solomon Islanders.

Overall project progress is now at 28%, and momentum is building fast!

The Tina River Hydro Project is supported by the World Bank, the Australian Government, the Asian Development Bank, the Korea-EXIM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and the Green Climate Fund.

28/08/2025

The Papua New Guinea National Department of Health 🇵🇬 is using technology to drive a more effective and efficient health system!

A new toolkit was launched recently that helps health workers deliver better care - especially in rural areas🏥. Along with the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea 🇦🇺, we're proud supporters of this valuable initiative.

You can learn more about the toolkit here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/multi-donor-trust-fund-for-integrating-externally-financed-health-programs/brief/papua-new-guinea-embraces-digital-health?deliveryName=FCP_3_DM256811

Impact Health PNG Project

18/08/2025

“Inside my community, people have grown to understand that people with disabilities have the right to move freely. But due to the [condition of] the road, it’s not easy and there are challenges.”

For people like James, improved roads mean more than convenience – they mean access, inclusion, and dignity. ♿

Safer, climate-resilient roads are changing what’s possible for families in Vanuatu today, and for future generations. Supported by US$142.8 million in financing, the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project is helping the Sanma community travel with greater ease and security for years ahead. 📚🌱💼

Working alongside the Government of Vanuatu, we are investing in infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits, stronger livelihoods and a more inclusive, connected future.

Learn more: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/07/04/the-road-ahead-vanuatu-s-climate-resilient-transport-project-boosts-community-access-and-safety