AFG Submission on the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)

30th January 2026

The Alliance for Future Generations (AFG) submitted its response to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

This submission reflects AFG’s strong support for the PRF as a Pacific-led initiative designed to strengthen climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community recovery. Drawing from our work with young people across Fiji, we also provide practical recommendations to ensure that the PRF is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the realities faced by youth and vulnerable communities.

OUR POSITION

AFG supports the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility as an important step toward strengthening regional resilience and improving access to climate finance for Pacific communities.

We recognise that many communities, especially at the grassroots level, face barriers in accessing funding for disaster preparedness and recovery. The PRF presents an opportunity to address this gap through a Pacific owned and grant based financing mechanism.

At the same time, we emphasise that young people must not only be seen as beneficiaries of resilience initiatives, but as active partners, implementers, and decision makers.

With more than half of Fiji’s population under the age of 35, young people are already leading community responses, mobilising support, and driving local solutions. However, they continue to face disproportionate challenges following disasters, including disruptions to education, livelihoods, and wellbeing.

WHY YOUTH INCLUSION MATTERS

AFG’s work across communities has shown that young people are often at the forefront of response and recovery efforts. This includes young people from rural and coastal communities, young people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ youth who may already face additional barriers.

When given the right support and resources, young people are capable of designing and implementing effective, locally led solutions. Ensuring that they are meaningfully included in the PRF will strengthen both the reach and impact of resilience initiatives across Fiji and the wider Pacific.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

AFG’s submission outlines several recommendations to support effective and inclusive implementation of the PRF.

1. STRENGTEHNING YOUTH REPRESENTATION

AFG recommends the establishment of mechanisms that ensure young people are included in decision making processes. This could include a Youth Advisory Panel linked to the PRF’s governance structures or representation through existing regional youth bodies.

2. MAKING FUNDING ACCESSIBLE

Access to funding remains a major challenge for youth and community groups. We recommend simplified and tiered funding mechanisms, including small grant windows that allow grassroots initiatives to participate without being excluded by complex requirements.

We also propose that national project submissions include at least one youth led initiative and ensure that young people are represented in community decision making structures.

3. PROVIDING TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Many youth led organisations require support in areas such as proposal development, financial management, and safeguarding. Pre application technical assistance should be made available to ensure that these groups can effectively access and manage funding.

4. ENSURING SAFEGUARDS AND INCLUSION

AFG calls for strong safeguards within PRF operations to protect human rights and ensure inclusion. This includes clear non discrimination policies, safeguarding standards, and support systems for vulnerable groups.

Data collection should also be inclusive and disaggregated to ensure that the reach and impact of projects on young people and marginalised communities can be properly understood.

5. SUPPORTING TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE IMPLEMENTATION.

We recommend regular reporting to Parliament on PRF supported projects in Fiji, including information on youth engagement and safeguarding measures. This will strengthen accountability and ensure that the PRF delivers meaningful outcomes.

6. PROTECTING COMMUNITY FOCUS

AFG highlights the importance of maintaining the PRF’s focus on community level initiatives. There is a risk that funding may shift toward large scale or centralised projects, which may not always reach those most in need.

We recommend clear criteria to ensure continued support for locally led, high impact community projects, particularly in underserved and remote areas.

A CALL FOR INCLUSIVE RESILIENCE FINANCING

The Pacific Resilience Facility represents an important opportunity for Fiji and the wider region to strengthen resilience in a way that is locally driven and community focused.

AFG believes that for the PRF to be truly effective, it must be inclusive, accessible, and grounded in the realities of those most affected by climate change and disasters. This includes ensuring that young people are recognised as leaders and partners in resilience building.

LOOKING AHEAD

AFG has expressed its willingness to engage further with the Standing Committee and contribute to ongoing discussions. We remain committed to working alongside government, regional partners, and communities to ensure that resilience financing reaches those who need it most.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION

Pacific Resilience Facility - AFG SUBMISSION.pdf

Download PDF • 262KB

CLOSING NOTE

The decisions made today will shape how communities prepare for and respond to future challenges. By investing in inclusive and youth centred approaches, Fiji can strengthen resilience while empowering the next generation of leaders.