Highlights
- New Commitments: The Foreign Secretary will announce new commitments worth £4.5m to connect communities in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific to clean energy sources. This funding will provide an alternative to common but expensive and polluting generators, further strengthening the UK’s support for a free and open Pacific.
- Tackling Marine Pollution: UK experts will also work with Pacific communities to tackle marine pollution and maintain clean, healthy oceans, as part of the UK’s £500m Blue Planet Fund.
- Strengthening Partnerships: During his trip, Cleverly will meet with key figures such as Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Prime Minister Marape, as well as Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare and Foreign Minister Manele. He will also participate in trilateral talks with Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
- Promoting Media Freedom: In the Solomon Islands, Cleverly will meet journalists who have taken part in a UK government-backed, BBC-led training program, highlighting the UK’s commitment to supporting open societies and free media.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, is embarking on a tour of the Pacific, starting on April 19, with the aim of building stronger partnerships with Pacific Island Countries. His trip will focus on climate change, scientific research, and media freedom, and will take him to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Samoa.
Why does it matter?
The Pacific Islands are some of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, cyclones, and ocean acidification are already causing significant harm to these nations. The UK’s commitment to tackling climate change and protecting the oceans in the Pacific is crucial in addressing these issues. Additionally, this trip highlights the UK’s focus on strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island Countries, promoting media freedom, and supporting public health in the region. These efforts will help to build a stronger, more resilient Pacific region for years to come.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
