Minister Cannon announces Irish Trust Fund to Support Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in SIDS

Press release

Minister Cannon announces Irish Trust Fund to Support Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States

The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., today (1 May 2019) announced the establishment of a €12m Trust Fund with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Fund is focused on building climate change and disaster resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

At a signing ceremony marking the establishment of the Trust Fund at the ADB’s Annual Meeting in Nadi, Fiji, Minister Cannon said:

“The Trust Fund represents a deepening of our cooperation with the Asian Development Bank and reflects our commitment to Small Island Developing States and to combatting climate change”.

Minister Cannon further emphasised Ireland’s commitment, stating:

“Ireland recognises that the vulnerability of many Small Island Developing States is particularly acute, and as a small island state ourselves, this is something to which we should respond.”

Ireland has traditionally worked closely with the Small Island States at the UN and has underlined the importance of working in close partnership with SIDS to ensure successful outcomes from the Fund.

Recently appointed Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Saeed, represented ADB at the signing and added:

“ADB recognizes that the SIDS are among the most exposed nations, globally to the risks of natural disasters and the effects of climate change. We are delighted to partner with the Government of Ireland to establish this Trust Fund, which will help support SIDS’ resilience to climate change through activities such as financing climate-proof infrastructure, helping countries plan for and respond to changing weather patterns, and leveraging global climate resources for mitigation and adaptation efforts.”

ENDS

Press Office

1 May 2019

Note to Editors:

• Climate change and work with SIDS are central components of A Better World, Ireland’s new international development cooperation policy which is focused on reducing humanitarian need, climate action, strengthened governance and gender equality.

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