The World Bank Group has announced a new six‑year Regional Partnership Framework (RPF) with nine Pacific Island countries—Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—to support country‑led priorities for jobs, resilience, and economic growth. The partnership, running from FY2026 to FY2031, comes at a time of global volatility and aims to strengthen public services and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.
Developed in close collaboration with governments, the framework focuses on creating more and better jobs, particularly for young people and women, while addressing the challenges of small, remote economies highly exposed to climate risks. It emphasizes turning growth into employment as a foundation for long‑term prosperity and stability.
Key priorities include strengthening economic and fiscal management, improving physical and digital connectivity, investing in health and education, and building resilience to external shocks and disasters. These measures are designed to support private sector‑led job creation and ensure sustainable development.
The framework also highlights investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure to connect people and businesses to markets, while stronger health and education systems will build the skills needed for productive work. Sound macroeconomic management is expected to create a stable environment for investment and employment.
Regional platforms and shared solutions will help overcome the constraints of distance and small scale, reflecting the World Bank’s Small States Strategy. The framework also incorporates crisis preparedness and response tools to help countries react quickly to shocks while safeguarding development gains.
Overall, the partnership represents a significant step toward building resilient, inclusive economies across the Pacific, ensuring that communities are better equipped to thrive despite global challenges.
