Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo Photo: Pacific Islands Forum
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane last week that infrastructure is the backbone of Tuvalu's development.
He outlined key projects aimed at tackling the challenges the country faces.
"As a low-lying atoll nation, we are remarkably vulnerable to climate change-induced sea level rise," he said, pointing to the need for comprehensive coastal protection initiatives and land reclamation.
Teo pointed to projects already in place - the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), the Funafuti Water and Sanitation Project, and public housing.
These were, he said, designed to enhance resilience while meeting critical infrastructure needs.
"Our projects reflect our government's commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for Tuvalu, and we must prioritise partnerships that allow us to confront challenges collaboratively," he said.
Teo also highlighted the intersection of infrastructure development with the government's ten strategic priorities outlined in "Te Kete" and the new National Infrastructure Plan.
"By fostering partnership with the private sector, our goal is to maximize returns on investments and ensure that critical infrastructure is delivered efficiently," he said.
The Prime Minister's address serves as a rallying call to stakeholders to join Tuvalu in its journey toward sustainable infrastructure development that is climate-resilient, innovative, and inclusive.
The conference is organised by the Australia Pacific Business Council.
