The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty has officially come into force, marking a major step for Pacific countries working together on climate resilience, clean energy, and community adaptation.

The Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF Treaty) officially entered into force this week, 6 May 2026, following the joint ratification by Australia and Fiji in Suva.

The instruments of ratification were deposited with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, alongside Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka.

“Today marks a defining milestone and decisive step forward in our region’s collective journey in securing a resilient future for our Blue Pacific region,” said SG Waqa.

Amidst a global energy crisis, the Secretary General underlined Members’ unique position to underscore the importance of the PRF as a mechanism to invest in energy security, clean energy transition, and climate adaptation at community level.

SG Waqa acknowledged the contribution and support of partners, investors and the international community to the PRF, and emphasised that the region will “act with urgency, unity, and purpose to capitalise the PRF, and to protect the integrity of our Forum Leaders’ vision for a secure and resilient future for our Blue Pacific region”.

The Lord Privy Seal and Secretary for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Viliami Malolo attended the event.

The PRF was first endorsed by Forum Leaders in 2023 under the Declaration on its establishment during their meeting in the Cook Islands.

In 2024, PIF leaders agreed to designate Tonga as the PRF host country.

The PRF Treaty enters into force just eight months after it was signed by 15 Forum Leaders during their meeting in Solomon Islands in 2025, demonstrating strong political resolve.

The PRF marks a significant achievement for Pacific regionalism, uniting countries behind a practical and visionary mechanism grounded in the realities of Pacific communities. Forum Members have underscored the need for continued urgency and collective effort to fully capitalise the Facility and ensure it delivers lasting resilience for future generations.

US$500 million capitalisation target

Meanwhile, the total pledges to capitalise the PRF have now reached US$172 million of the initial capitalisation target of US$500 million by December 2026, with a longer-term goal of USD$1.5 billion in capitalisation for a 1.5° world.

The entering into force of the PRF Treaty is both significant and timely, particularly as Fiji and Tuvalu are preparing to host the COP31 pre-COP climate events later this year, and Australia leading as the President of Negotiations.

It also triggers the convening of the inaugural PRF Council meeting, which is scheduled to be held immediately following the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in  June 2026, to be hosted by the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

In addition to Australia and Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, and New Zealand have also ratified the Treaty and are now PRF Members.