Tarawa, Kiribati, 5 March 2026 – Kiribati has taken a major step toward strengthening its ability to access and manage international climate finance, following the formal handover of three key governance frameworks under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness 2 Project.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), convened a session in Bairiki to deliberate on National Designated Authority (NDA) Manual, the No-Objection Letter Manual, and Operational Manual for Climate Finance Division. The session brought together MFED Secretary and the Heads of Departments where the documents were reviewed and way forward on how they can be formally adopted as the official reference guides for climate finance work in Kiribati.
Secretary of MFED, Mrs. Koin Uriam Kiritione, encouraged all divisions to take ownership of their respective roles under the new frameworks. The Secretary stated that “Once these documents have been presented to the Minister for Finance and Economic Development, and formally adopted, they will pave the way for a more coordinated and holistic approach in engaging constructively with climate finance institutions”.
For Kiribati, a small island developing state facing rising sea levels, coastal erosion, water insecurity and increasing climate-related pressures, strengthening climate finance systems is not simply administrative reform, it is a strategic national priority. Access to global climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund requires strong institutional systems, clear processes, and transparent decision-making mechanisms. These newly developed frameworks respond directly to those requirements.
In June 2025, MFED adopted the National Climate Finance Strategy that established a clear national direction for mobilizing and prioritizing climate investments in line with Kiribati’s development goals. The NDA Manual clarifies the Authority’s coordination role in engaging with the GCF and other climate finance partners. The Operational Manual for CFD provides a consistent and transparent framework for how the Division will manage its functions, supports Government decision-making, coordinates with national and international stakeholders and ensures compliance with MFED policies and integrity standards. The No-Objection Manual formalizes the review and endorsement process for funding proposals to ensure all submissions align with national priorities before being advanced to international partners.
Together, these frameworks strengthen governance, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency of relevant processes. With clearer systems in place, Kiribati is
better positioned to prepare stronger project proposals, accelerate approvals, build confidence with development partners, and ensure that climate finance reaches the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
GGGI Country Representative for Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu, Mr. Norbert Maass, emphasized the long-term importance of institutional readiness. “Strong systems are the backbone of successful climate finance. These frameworks will support Kiribati in accessing, managing, and delivering climate investments more effectively in the years ahead,” he noted.
The documents will be presented to the National Designated Authority, the Vice President and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Dr. Teuea Toatu, for further consideration before formal adoption and internalization. The documents are designed to be living documents and can be updated to reflect evolving national priorities and emerging climate finance opportunities.
This milestone contributes directly to MFED’s 100-Day Goals by strengthening governance systems and reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and results-driven climate finance management. At a time when climate resilience is central to Kiribati’s sustainable future, building strong financial systems today ensures the country is better equipped to secure and manage the resources needed to build resilience of its people and nation.
Follow us on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
For more information, visit: https://gggi.org
GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)
Rajnil Prasad, Senior Regional Climate Smart Agriculture Officer, Pacific
rajnil.prasad@gggi.org
Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead