In a move to strengthen local resilience, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on 28 January officially launched Phase 2 of the UNDP-Gov4Res Small Grants Initiative, with financial support from the New Zealand government.
Under the initiative, three civil society organisations were each awarded US$13,300 to implement community-based projects. The inaugural recipients are Live & Learn, the Fuligafou Youth Association and FatuLei (Women for a Change).
The organisations were selected following a rigorous consultation process involving key stakeholders. A technical working group comprising government partners, the Tuvalu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations and development partners was established to ensure funding is directed to projects with the greatest community impact.
The initiative provides direct financial support to local organisations to implement small-scale, climate-resilient and sustainable development programmes. These include community agriculture projects and governance-strengthening activities tailored to the specific needs of Tuvaluan communities.
The launch event, attended by government officials, civil society organisations and international development partners, marked the culmination of extensive collaboration aimed at empowering grassroots initiatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development Nuausala Nuausala said the launch demonstrated the value of strategic decision-making, coordination and partnerships.
“The challenges we face are too great for one entity to solve alone. This is why partnership is our greatest asset,” Nuausala said. “By aligning the goals of government, development partners and civil society organisations, we create a unified platform for sustainable progress.”
He said the selection of the first three recipients reflects a deliberate strategy to support diverse sectors of society, including youth and women, to promote inclusive national development.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Live & Learn representative Setima Pita expressed gratitude to the government and its development partners, saying the initiative was more than financial support.
“This platform is more than just a financial boost; it is a vital bridge to the people,” Pita said. “Implementing these programmes is essential for our future, and their success depends on collaboration and teamwork. This funding allows us to reach deep into our communities and create lasting change together.”
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring grant implementation, sharing information and ensuring that the spirit of cooperation demonstrated at the launch continues throughout the project period.
