Communities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) will gain enhanced protection from climate and disaster risks through new World Bank support aimed at strengthening urban resilience, safeguarding livelihoods, and supporting jobs in Majuro, the country’s capital and main economic hub.
RMI is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events posing growing threats to urban areas, infrastructure, and economic activity. These risks are especially concentrated in Majuro, where the majority of the population, government operations, and economic opportunities are located.
The additional financing for the RMI Urban Resilience Project will expand investments in public buildings and spaces, improve disaster preparedness and response systems, and build institutional capacity for risk-informed urban planning. It will also strengthen the implementation of building codes and deliver resilient, multi-purpose emergency management facilities to enhance coordination and response during disasters.
A significant portion of the support will target Majuro, focusing on reducing coastal flooding, enhancing the resilience of public infrastructure, and ensuring that emergency facilities can maintain essential services during crises. The project will also support local employment and economic activity through civil works while reinforcing long-term systems for urban planning and infrastructure standards, protecting businesses and livelihoods from disaster impacts.
World Bank officials emphasized that urban resilience is critical for safeguarding lives, sustaining jobs, and supporting economic growth in the Marshall Islands. The project builds on prior progress and is designed to help communities, businesses, and government institutions better manage climate and disaster risks while improving public safety, mobility, and the quality of urban spaces.
The preparation of this additional financing was supported by the Africa Caribbean Pacific-European Union Disaster Risk Management Programme and the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries, both managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.
