Nadi, Fiji, November 19, 2025 – The European Union (EU) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) convened the inaugural Steering Committee meeting for the four-year Pacific Regional Electrification Programme (Pac-REP), marking a milestone in advancing renewable, reliable, and climate-resilient energy access across the Pacific.

The Steering Committee brings together national leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu to guide strategic direction, strengthen coordination, and oversee implementation of the EU-funded programme. Supported under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Green Blue Alliance for the Pacific and Timor-Leste, Pac-REP represents a EUR 15 million investment dedicated to expanding electricity access for remote and rural communities.

“Today’s inaugural Steering Committee meeting reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to genuine partnership and shared decision-making with our Pacific counterparts. Pac-REP is more than an energy programme—it is a pathway to opportunity, resilience, and inclusive development for communities that have long lacked reliable access to energy,” said Ms. Roxane Castelein, Programme Manager, EU.

During the meeting, members reviewed programme objectives, discussed the implementation and governance structure, and assessed early progress. They also established a shared understanding of the Steering Committee’s mandate and identified next steps, including roles, expectations, and coordination arrangements for the coming months.

“The establishment of this Steering Committee will reinforce the governance and accountability mechanism of the project to deliver quality outputs, outcomes and impact, and timely reporting. Through Pac-REP, we are jointly creating the foundations for a more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient Pacific through access to affordable, reliable and clean energy for our communities. The guidance of the Steering Committee will be essential in ensuring that the programme delivers on the ambitions of Pacific governments and communities,” said Mr Sakiusa Tuisolia, Pacific Regional Director, GGGI.

Key discussions focused on immediate programme priorities for the coming quarter, including upcoming activities, emerging risks, and critical deliverables. The Committee reached consensus on governance arrangements and endorsed the proposed implementation timeline for the next year. Members also agreed on immediate action items, such as confirming roles, responsibilities, and expectations ahead of the next meeting.

Pac-REP aims to expand access to clean and reliable electricity across participating countries—some of which have the lowest electrification rates in the region. By addressing urgent energy needs while integrating gender equality, social inclusion, and community resilience, the programme contributes directly to national development priorities and broader regional climate goals.

The EU and GGGI reaffirm their commitment to working closely with Pacific Island Countries to ensure that Pac-REP remains responsive to community needs, anchored in partnership, and aligned with the Pacific’s long-term vision for a sustainable future.

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For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org 

GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead | kelly.vacala@gggi.org