AGP Executive Report

Seafood and Climate: New research warns ocean warming is making fish stocks and seafood production less predictable, putting Pacific fishing livelihoods and businesses at risk. It urges major companies to invest in adaptation as well as emissions cuts. Climate Resilience Funding: Kiribati is among 14 Pacific countries covered by a US$1.06 billion climate programme, including a US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant, to strengthen infrastructure and essential services. El Niño Preparations: Pacific forecasters warn a strong to very strong El Niño may develop by early 2027, bringing drought risks and shifting rainfall. The region is already reporting impacts on water, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Kiribati’s Development Priorities: At the biodiversity summit, Kiribati called for predictable, accessible grant financing as it updates national conservation plans. China also signalled interest in cooperation with Kiribati on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and fisheries. Health Services: Regional aid estimates point to a 17% fall in health assistance to Kiribati between 2024 and 2026, adding pressure on essential services.

Climate Investment: Kiribati is among 14 Pacific countries covered by a US$1.06 billion climate programme, including a US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant and about US$809 million in Asian Development Bank financing. The decade-long programme aims to strengthen infrastructure and essential services. El Niño Risks: Pacific forecasters warn of a strong to very strong El Niño into early 2027, with rainfall patterns shifting across the region. Kiribati is among the areas forecast to have wetter-than-normal conditions from November to January, while impacts on water, agriculture and fisheries are already being reported around the Pacific. Aid Pressure: OECD estimates health aid to Kiribati will fall 17% between 2025–26 and 2026–27, one of the steepest projected declines in the region. Biodiversity Finance: At COP17, Kiribati called for predictable, accessible grants to help fund its biodiversity plans, saying finance—not commitment—is the main barrier.

Biodiversity Finance: At COP17, Kiribati called for predictable, grant-based funding as it updates its national biodiversity strategy and environmental policy. Telecom Resilience: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna says increasingly frequent and severe disasters are forcing the region to rethink how it protects telecommunications networks and funds infrastructure. Climate Investment: A US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant will help 14 Pacific countries, including Kiribati, strengthen infrastructure and essential services, with ADB co-financing bringing the programme to about US$1.06 billion. El Niño Outlook: Forecasters warn the event could be among the strongest since 1950; Kiribati is among areas expected to have wetter-than-normal conditions in coming months, while regional impacts threaten water, agriculture, fisheries and transport. South Tarawa Water: Solar-powered treatment systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students at 21 schools, with local operators trained to maintain the equipment.

Telecom Resilience: Pacific leaders are calling for stronger telecommunications infrastructure as disasters become more frequent and severe, highlighting the need for reliable networks and investment across the region. Biodiversity Finance: At COP17, Kiribati said it is aligning national biodiversity plans with its development goals, but urged partners to provide predictable, accessible grants rather than loans. Climate Funding: Kiribati is among 14 countries covered by a US$1.06 billion regional climate programme, including a US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant for resilient infrastructure and essential services. El Niño Risks: The strong El Niño is expected to affect Pacific water, agriculture, fisheries and tourism; forecasts point to wetter-than-normal conditions in Kiribati, while other parts of the region face drought. Water Services: Solar-powered systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students at South Tarawa schools, with local representatives trained to maintain them.

Climate Finance: Kiribati is among 14 Pacific nations covered by a new US$1.06 billion climate programme, including a US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant. It will support resilient infrastructure, essential services and adaptation planning. Biodiversity: At COP17, Environment Minister Tokaibure Rabaua said Kiribati’s main hurdle is access to finance, calling for predictable, grant-based funding as the country updates its biodiversity strategy and environment policy. El Niño: Pacific officials warn the event could strengthen into early 2027, disrupting water, agriculture and fisheries. Forecasts point to wetter-than-normal conditions from Nauru to eastern Kiribati, while other parts of the region face drought. Water Services: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems now provide drinking water to 4,585 South Tarawa students at 21 schools. A local engineering company installed them, with school representatives trained to maintain the systems. Trade and Infrastructure: In talks with Kiribati’s House Speaker, China’s top legislator proposed cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture and fisheries; no specific projects were announced.

El Niño: Pacific countries report growing effects on water, agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Kiribati is forecast to have wetter-than-normal conditions from November to January, while the strong event is expected to persist into 2027. Climate Finance: A US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant, combined with Asian Development Bank financing, will support resilient infrastructure and essential services in 14 Pacific countries, including Kiribati. Water Services: Solar-powered systems now provide drinking water to 4,585 students at 21 South Tarawa schools. A local engineering company installed the systems, and school representatives received maintenance training. Coastal Risk: An ADB report says coastal flooding could cause up to US$739 billion in annual losses across Asia and the Pacific by 2100; Kiribati is among the most exposed economies, with potential welfare losses of 2.7%. Trade and Infrastructure: China’s top legislator told Kiribati’s House speaker that the countries could expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture and fisheries.

Climate Outlook: A strong to very strong El Niño is forecast through early 2027 and could be the Pacific’s strongest since 1950. While wetter-than-normal conditions are expected around Kiribati, the wider region faces heightened risks to water, agriculture and infrastructure. Development Finance: ADB’s five-year Pacific strategy includes Kiribati, prioritising economic opportunities, essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more flexible project delivery for dispersed island communities. School Water: Solar-powered systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students in South Tarawa. A local engineering company installed 21 reverse-osmosis units, and school representatives received maintenance training. Banking: ANZ has named Edwin Shankar its next Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. The bank says it will focus on reliable services, digital access and financial inclusion. Coastal Risk: An ADB report warns that rising seas and flooding could impose severe costs on Pacific economies, while Kiribati is among the atoll nations facing high welfare losses.

Pacific Investment: ADB’s 2026–2030 strategy includes Kiribati, promising support for jobs, essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure, with projects tailored to the realities of dispersed island communities. School Water: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems now provide drinking water to 4,585 students at 21 South Tarawa schools. A local engineering company installed the systems, and school representatives were trained to maintain them. Climate Exposure: Kiribati’s sea level is rising about 5mm a year, while coastal flooding could bring welfare losses equal to 2.7% of GDP, among the highest in the region. A separate forecast expects wetter-than-normal conditions in Kiribati during the strong 2026 El Niño. Banking: ANZ has named Edwin Shankar its new Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. He is expected to start in early December as the country’s only commercial bank focuses on reliable services and wider digital access.

Regional Investment: The Asian Development Bank’s 2026–2030 Pacific strategy includes Kiribati, with priorities spanning economic opportunities, essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure. Banking: ANZ has named Edwin Shankar its next Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval; he is expected to take up the role in December. Water Services: Solar-powered drinking-water systems are bringing treated water to 4,585 students at South Tarawa schools. A local engineering company installed 21 systems, with school representatives trained to maintain them. Energy Costs: Kiribati is set to receive US$12.77 million in ADB support to help manage higher fuel costs, protect essential services and ease pressure on vulnerable households. Shipping: Kiribati hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting on Butaritari, focused on reliable cargo services for remote island communities; Tuvalu will chair the commission next year.

Regional Investment: ADB’s new five-year Pacific strategy includes Kiribati, prioritising economic opportunities, essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure tailored to island economies. Water Services: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students at 21 South Tarawa schools; a local engineering company installed them and trained school representatives to maintain them. Energy Security: Kiribati is set to receive US$12.77 million in ADB assistance to ease fuel-cost pressures and help maintain affordable electricity and essential services. Shipping: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting, focused on reliable cargo routes for small island states. Tuvalu has taken over the commission’s chair and will host next year’s meeting. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as its Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval; he is expected to start in December. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño could bring water and livelihood pressures across the Pacific, while ADB warns coastal flooding could cause severe economic losses for Kiribati and other atoll nations.

ADB Strategy: A new five-year Pacific plan includes Kiribati, with priorities spanning jobs, essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure. The bank says it will tailor projects to the needs of small, dispersed economies. Drinking Water: Solar-powered systems are bringing safe water to 4,585 students at South Tarawa schools. A local engineering firm installed 21 systems, and school representatives received maintenance training. Energy Costs: Kiribati is set to receive US$12.77 million in ADB assistance to help manage higher fuel costs and maintain affordable electricity and essential services. Banking: ANZ has named Edwin Shankar its next Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. He is expected to take up the role in December as the bank pledges to expand digital access and financial inclusion. Shipping: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting for the first time, highlighting regional cooperation to sustain cargo services for remote islands. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Kiribati’s growth to slow to 3% this year from 4.3% in 2025, citing high business costs, skills shortages and pressure on state-owned enterprises.

Water Infrastructure: Solar-powered drinking-water systems are being installed at 21 South Tarawa schools, serving 4,585 students. A local engineering company installed the systems, and school representatives were trained to maintain them—an important response to saltwater contamination and drought. Climate Risks: ADB warns coastal flood losses could reach up to $739 billion a year across Asia and the Pacific by 2100; Kiribati faces among the region’s highest welfare losses. A powerful El Niño is also expected to bring wetter-than-normal conditions to Kiribati and nearby islands, while raising wider risks to Pacific water supplies, agriculture and infrastructure. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Kiribati’s growth to slow to 3% this year from 4.3% in 2025, citing high operating costs, skills shortages and pressure on state-owned enterprises. Public spending and construction are expected to support growth. Shipping and Services: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting, focused on reliable cargo routes and access for small ports. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as its Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval, with the bank pledging to maintain accessible services and expand digital access.

Water Services: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students at South Tarawa schools. A local engineering company installed 21 systems, with school representatives trained to maintain them. Climate Risk: ADB warns coastal flooding could cause annual losses of up to $739 billion across Asia and the Pacific by 2100; Kiribati faces projected welfare losses equal to 2.7% of GDP. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Kiribati’s growth to slow to 3% in 2026 from 4.3% last year, citing high operating costs, skills shortages and pressure on state-owned enterprises. Construction and public spending are expected to support growth. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as its Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. He is expected to take up the role in December, succeeding Greg Edwards. Shipping: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting for the first time, as members focused on reliable services and cargo access for small island markets. Tuvalu will host next year’s meeting.

School Water: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 students in South Tarawa. A local engineering company installed 21 systems, with school representatives trained to maintain them. Energy Support: Kiribati is set to receive US$12.77 million in ADB emergency assistance to help manage fuel costs and maintain affordable electricity and essential services. Climate Risk: ADB warns coastal flood losses could rise sharply across Asia and the Pacific; Kiribati is among the atoll nations facing significant welfare impacts. A strong El Niño is forecast through early 2027, with wetter-than-normal conditions expected in Kiribati, while other Pacific areas face drought risks. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Kiribati’s growth to slow to 3% this year from 4.3% in 2025, citing high operating costs and pressure on state-owned enterprises. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval; he is expected to take up the role in December. Shipping Links: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting, focused on improving reliable cargo services across small island states.

Community Resilience: Kiribati’s Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific is among five regional partners in the €4.8 million Kiwa CIRCLE programme, which supports ecosystem restoration and resilient livelihoods. Water Services: Solar-powered systems are bringing drinking water to 4,585 South Tarawa students across 21 schools, with local representatives trained to maintain them. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects growth to slow to 3% in 2026 from 4.3% last year, citing high operating costs and skilled-worker shortages. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as its Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. He is expected to start in December; ANZ says it will invest in digital access and financial inclusion. Development and Energy: ADB’s new five-year Pacific strategy includes Kiribati and prioritizes resilient infrastructure and essential services. Kiribati is also allocated US$12.77 million in ADB emergency assistance to ease fuel-cost pressures and help maintain affordable electricity. Shipping: Butaritari hosted the Central Pacific Shipping Commission’s annual meeting, with members focused on reliable cargo and route coverage for remote islands.

School Water: Solar-powered reverse-osmosis systems will bring drinking water to 4,585 students at 21 South Tarawa schools. A local engineering company installed them, and school representatives received training to maintain the systems. Climate Outlook: A strong El Niño is forecast to persist into early 2027. Kiribati is expected to have wetter-than-normal conditions, while the wider Pacific faces risks to water supplies, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure. Coastal Risk: The ADB warns annual flood losses could reach up to $739 billion across Asia and the Pacific by 2100; Kiribati faces some of the region’s highest projected welfare losses. Economic Growth: The IMF expects Kiribati’s growth to slow to 3% this year from 4.3% in 2025, citing high business costs, skills shortages and pressure on state-owned enterprises. Public spending and construction are expected to support activity. Banking: ANZ has appointed Edwin Shankar as its Kiribati country head, subject to regulatory approval. He is expected to take up the role in December, with the bank citing plans to invest in digital access and financial inclusion.