Ireland has announced €3 million in funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. The funding, unveiled by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD, will be directed to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) to help communities facing increasing threats such as flooding, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.
Speaking at the UN High Level Week in New York, Minister Richmond highlighted the urgent need for action, stating, “People in Small Island Developing States are on the front lines of climate change. It is an existential threat to their lives and their countries. This funding will provide practical and urgent support for communities facing this crisis every day, particularly across the Pacific, where adaptation and disaster preparedness are critical.”
As part of his engagements during UN High Level Week, Minister Richmond will meet Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, to discuss the global response to humanitarian crises, including those in Gaza and Sudan. His schedule also includes a breakfast meeting with the Women Leaders Network of the Africa-Europe Foundation, participation in events focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global education, and bilateral meetings with international counterparts.
Looking ahead, Minister Richmond will attend discussions on financing for development amid shrinking global budgets and will host a diaspora consultation with members of the Irish community in New York.
Addressing the broader challenges facing the humanitarian and development sectors, Minister Richmond noted that the world is confronting multiple simultaneous crises, from conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine to the escalating climate emergency. He emphasized the importance of maintaining global cooperation despite financial constraints, adding, “As we mark 70 years of Ireland’s membership of the UN, our support is steadfast. We remain committed to tackling the big issues of our time and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.”
This funding underscores Ireland’s continued leadership in climate action and humanitarian assistance, particularly for nations at the forefront of the climate crisis.
