September 4, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), concluded an official visit to Koror, Palau from September 2 to 4, where he represented Canada at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting. Canada’s participation at the forum reflects a commitment to deepening partnerships with Pacific Island Countries and strengthening collaboration toward shared prosperity. Secretary of State Sarai showcased Canada’s continued commitment to the region while advancing inclusive economic opportunities, collective stability, and security.

While in Palau, Secretary of State Sarai announced more than $13 million in funding for 3 projects to support economic development and climate resilience in the Pacific Island Countries as follows:

• $5 million for Markets for Change (Phase II) with UN Women to advance economic opportunities for 9,500 women market vendors across Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu;
• $4.5 million for the Melanesian Corridor project with Cowater International to help remote Indigenous communities in the outer islands of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu increase their resilience to climate-induced shocks;
• $3.6 million for Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands (Phase II) with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to help coastal communities strengthen their fisheries, improve livelihoods, and better adapt to the impacts of climate change and economic challenges.

These projects advance Canada’s shared interests by strengthening relationships with Pacific Island Countries and contributing towards a safer, more stable and resilient Indo-Pacific. Deeper partnerships in the region create opportunities for Canada to diversify its economic relationships and advance women’s economic empowerment and collaborative approaches to disaster preparedness.

During his visit, Secretary of State Sarai engaged with several heads of state and governments, senior officials, PIF leaders and ministers, including from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Niue, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, as well as the European Union and France to discuss working together to bolster partnerships in the Pacific region.

Building on this momentum, he joined France on the margins of the PIF Leaders Meeting to highlight Canada’s support for Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS), currently chaired by Canada. Here, Secretary of State Sarai emphasized Canada’s commitment to foster greater resilience to climate-related hazards as Pacific Island Countries and their communities frequently experience a disruption of infrastructure and livelihoods.

In Melekeok, Secretary of State Sarai visited the MiCOAST project, funded by the Kiwa Initiative which is supported by Canada. MiCOAST is empowering local communities to nurture sustainable financial growth by strengthening the protection of coastal resilience and fisheries management.