Exclusive: World Bank President in Tuvalu Emphasizes Youth Skills as Key to Climate Change Strategy, Says Reuters

By Kirsty Needham

FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu – During a visit to the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu, World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted the urgent need for training among the young population to help them adapt to climate change, as the country faces the immediate threat of rising sea levels.

This visit marks the first by a World Bank leader to Tuvalu, where approximately 11,000 residents live on just 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) across nine atolls. The effects of climate change in the region were vividly apparent, with efforts underway to strengthen ports and reclaim land from the sea.

Following his appointment in June of the previous year, Banga expanded the World Bank’s mission for the first time in 80 years to include climate change as a central theme, aligning it with poverty alleviation in the quest for a livable planet.

Experts predict that by 2050, much of Tuvalu’s capital, Funafuti, will be submerged due to rising tides. A recent agreement with Australia provides a potential avenue for residents to relocate if their homeland becomes uninhabitable.

In discussions with young locals, many expressed that leaving Tuvalu is viewed as a "Plan B."

In an interview, Banga emphasized that the World Bank’s vision for a livable planet extends beyond just building infrastructure. "It is also about human infrastructure," he stated. He underscored the importance of providing access to education and healthcare, framing it as essential not only for survival but for enhancing quality of life.

Banga expressed a desire to expedite the World Bank’s actions, prioritize impactful projects, share knowledge with Pacific island nations, and create job opportunities for youth. In Tuvalu, this could involve investing in vocational training institutes to prepare young individuals for future migrations, offering skills in fields such as nursing or plumbing.

Talua Nivaga, vice president of the Tuvalu National Youth Council, clarified that the notion of climate mobility does not indicate an immediate need for relocation. Instead, he advocated for clearer pathways for movement in response to worst-case scenarios and discussed with Banga the necessary skills for potential climate migrants. "These skills should be retained in Tuvalu and utilized for the benefit of our community," he remarked.

Since assuming his position over a year ago, Banga has toured all regions served by the World Bank, with Tuvalu being his final stop. The organization has pledged to allocate 45% of its annual financing to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts by 2025, a goal that has already been met in the Pacific Islands, according to Banga.

As he prepares for the United Nations General Assembly later this month, Banga aims to advocate for reforms within the World Bank and appeal to wealthier nations for increased funding to the International Development Association, which supports the most impoverished countries, including many in the Pacific.

Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister, Panapasi Nelesoni, addressed the challenges posed by saltwater intrusion, which hampers agricultural production and exacerbates health concerns. He emphasized the significance of the IDA fund, noting its role in providing grants at a time when borrowing is challenging for Tuvalu.

STAY OR GO?

Grace Malie, a 25-year-old participant in the discussions with Banga, recounted how she became aware of climate change at a young age as her parents explained the diminishing space for recreational areas. She expressed a desire for Tuvalu to adapt as long as possible to preserve her home. "I love my country, I love my home and I love what I do every day here," she shared.

On the streets of Funafuti, 32-year-old IT worker Maani Maani reflected on the difficult choices facing his generation. While he recognized the potential for skilled workers to secure visas to countries like Australia, he worried about the impact on those who would be left behind. "Our land is becoming smaller, crops are struggling to thrive. I fear that we may not receive saving grace this time," he lamented.