In 2016, Cyclone Winston wiped out communities and livelihoods across Fiji. Its devastating impact – economic losses were estimated at one third of national GDP – revealed the urgent need to prepare for future shocks, but also highlighted how financially excluded communities struggle to recover from catastrophe.

For Fiji and across the South Pacific region, each climate-related event reminds us that resilience is critical for survival. Without access to finance, recovery is slow and uneven.  Sustainable finance is therefore not only an economic tool, but a lifeline.  

Our experience of 2016 underscores the importance of building a system that not only responds to disasters, but which strengthens long-term resilience.  Here, policymakers can play a critical rtole by designing and implementing climate‑resilient frameworks with practical initiatives that enable vulnerable communities to recover, rebuild and thrive.

Turning ambition into action

The Fiji Government is working with partners to create an enabling environment that will channel funding into climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, aligned with achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By laying the foundation for laws and policies that align national and international net-zero commitments, we can drive coordinated action, champion Fiji’s climate resilience. and help turn ambition into action.

One such example of turning lessons from recent climate disasters such as Cyclone Winston into long-term resilience through intersecting policy and finance is the Fiji Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

Advancing climate resilience through the financial system

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, NDC Partnership, and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) led the development of Fiji’s first Sustainable Finance Roadmap (SFR).

Launched in November 2025, the SFR provides a strategic framework to guide Fiji towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy — positioning finance as a catalyst for climate action.

Anchored on the three pillars below, the SFR sets out how Fiji will align its financial system with climate resilience.  More than just a policy framework, the SFR represents a shared vision to accelerate progress toward a financial future that is sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient.

1. Improve transparency on climate and sustainability

Strengthening disclosure and management of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks, while embedding sustainability into financial institutions’ operations.

• Mobilise resources for sustainable investments

Directing capital flows towards sustainable products, expanding access to international carbon markets, and promoting innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and climate insurance products.

• Foster climate resilience through financial Inclusion

Expanding access to affordable climate finance products, and enhancing financial literacy, ensuring that all Fijians – especially women, youth and people with disabilities – can adapt, recover and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

Sustainable finance in Fiji goes beyond decarbonization and climate resilience. It is holistic, blending biodiversity protection, environmental stewardship, social and financial inclusion and strong governance in order to guide Fiji’s financial sector toward greater sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. 

A shared vision for an empowered future

Our immediate priority is to build capacity among stakeholders, including regulators and financial institutions, to effectively implement the Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Since its launch, multiple training sessions have already been completed—financial institutions have engaged in sessions on sustainable finance, climate change, and risk implementation, while regulators have participated in modules on climate risk, financial stability, supervision, and climate‑related disclosures. To build on this momentum, the next phase will focus on strengthening technical expertise through tailored programs that expand knowledge across critical areas. The Sustainable Finance Roadmap is more than a policy – it encapsulates a shared vision for a financial future that empowers every Fijian.  In a changing global landscape, Fiji is committed to advancing its journey toward resilience, inclusion, and sustainability.