Solomon Islands makes historic first pledge to Green Climate Fund's next replenishment
12 Nov 2026
Antalya, Türkiye – Solomon Islands has become the first country to pledge to the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) next replenishment, marking a historic moment for international climate finance at COP31. This marks the first time a country classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) or a Least Developed Country (LDC) has pledged to a GCF replenishment cycle.
As both a SIDS and an LDC, Solomon Islands is among the countries most vulnerable to climate breakdown. The USD 400,000 pledge, announced today and set to be reaffirmed at the World Leaders Summit tomorrow, marks the first commitment to the GCF’s new replenishment cycle, which aims to mobilise international finance to support climate action in developing countries, culminating in October 2027.
The Honourable Matthew Wale, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, commented: “In Solomon Islands, climate change is not something we read about in reports. It is something our people live with every day. Saltwater is creeping into our wells, king tides are washing through homes, and families are facing the painful question of whether they can remain on the land their ancestors called home.
“The Pacific did not create this crisis, but we will not stand by and wait for others to act. We may be a small island nation with limited resources, but we are determined to show leadership. That is why Solomon Islands is proud to make the first pledge to the Green Climate Fund's next replenishment.
“Our contribution reflects the strength of our commitment, but our message is clear: we have stepped forward, and now we call on the world's largest economies to do the same. The true measure of success will not be the promises made here in Antalya, but the difference we make to the lives of our people and the generations that follow.”
Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director, Green Climate Fund, added: “This is a historic moment for the Green Climate Fund, and a powerful message to the world. For Solomon Islands, both a SIDS and an LDC, to make the very first pledge to our next replenishment is an extraordinary demonstration of leadership, solidarity and ambition.
“Countries that have contributed the least to climate change, yet face some of its most devastating consequences, are not waiting for others to act. They are stepping forward and setting the pace for global climate action.
“Solomon Islands has set the bar; now it is time for others to follow the lead and ensure this replenishment is a turning point in how the world delivers climate finance.”
Pacific Island countries, such as Solomon Islands, face acute risks from tropical cyclones, sea-level rise, and coastal and inland flooding. Critical infrastructure and essential services are often located in highly exposed areas, leaving communities vulnerable to climate impacts that disrupt water supplies, energy access, connectivity and livelihoods.
Through its partnership with the GCF, Solomon Islands is advancing a country-led approach to climate action, identifying national priorities and developing projects to strengthen community resilience, expand access to renewable energy and support climate-resilient development.
About the Green Climate Fund
GCF is the world’s climate fund for developing countries, mobilising and delivering capital at scale, strengthening institutions and supporting transformative change, and bringing together our extensive partnership networks to deliver impact. GCF is mandated as the primary operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and serves the 2015 Paris Agreement.
To fulfil its role in supporting global climate ambition, GCF is focused on delivering high-impact climate finance at scale, underpinned by a country-owned approach focused on system-wide change. The fund has USD 22.3 billion committed across more than 130 developing countries through a wide range of adaptation and mitigation projects, including USD 1.3 billion in the Pacific island states.
