ADB in the Pacific

03/09/2026

Another important step forward for the Honiara International Port upgrade. 🇸🇧
Work is underway to prepare for the extension of International Berth 1 by around 30 metres, creating more space for ships at Honiara’s main international port.

A temporary platform and guiding structure are now being built to allow heavy equipment to safely install the piles that will support the extended wharf.

Once this preparation is complete, construction can move into its next phase — bringing the upgraded berth another step closer.
The Honiara International Port upgrade is part of the Solomon Islands Government-led Land and Maritime Connectivity Project supported by ADB.

03/09/2026

This week, ADB President Masato Kanda attended the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau to hear directly from Pacific leaders about their priorities.
Conversations focused on the pressure from high fuel costs, the renewable energy transition, and how ADB can work faster, more flexibly, and closer to its members.
President Kanda’s message throughout the week was clear. Pacific priorities should shape how ADB works and where it invests.

03/09/2026

Too little rain can mean water shortages. Too much can threaten water quality. For communities across the Cook Islands, particularly in outer islands like Pa Enua, many communities rely on rainwater harvesting, making them vulnerable to both prolonged dry spells and heavy rainfall.

While climate change adds new pressures to an already challenging water security landscape. Investing in resilient infrastructure,and community capacity can help build a more water-secure future.

From reducing leaks and improving water systems to expanding solar energy and strengthening local capacity, the Cook Islands has an opportunity to turn water challenges into lasting resilience.

The challenge is clear. So is the opportunity to build resilience.

🔗 Read the full story: https://development.asia/insight/expanding-access-clean-water-cook-islands

02/09/2026

Movement, music and moments of connection are helping older Palauans rebuild their confidence, health and wellbeing.

The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out nearly a third of Palau’s jobs, leaving many people—particularly older people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups—facing greater hardship.

An ADB-supported program is helping communities recover through wellness activities, women’s livelihood opportunities and support services addressing gender-based violence. By strengthening social connections, financial wellbeing and access to assistance, the program is helping Palauans become more resilient to future challenges.

02/09/2026

Quality infrastructure should build more than roads, ports and utilities - it should build local skills, jobs and opportunity.

Abhishek Sharma from ADB’s New Zealand-based partner, Beca explains how meaningful and sustained local participation is strengthening ADB-financed projects across the Pacific. Working with local businesses, professionals and communities, helps projects draw on local knowledge while investing in skills development and creating local employment.

These partnerships help deliver quality infrastructure that works on the ground, with lasting impact for Pacific communities long after construction is completed.

01/09/2026

Diesel generates about three-quarters of Palau's electricity. Every time global fuel prices rise, households and businesses are exposed.
In Koror, ADB President Masato Kanda and Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. discussed how fiscal management and a faster shift to renewable energy can reduce that exposure.
ADB is also bringing support closer to the countries we serve in the North Pacific, upgrading its Pohnpei office to a subregional office and establishing a private sector hub in Palau.
🔗 link.adb.org/4gwJepW

Diesel generates about three-quarters of Palau's electricity. Every time global fuel prices rise, households and businesses are exposed.

In Koror, ADB President Masato Kanda and Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. discussed how fiscal management and a faster shift to renewable energy can reduce that exposure.

ADB is also bringing support closer to the countries we serve in the North Pacific, upgrading its Pohnpei office to a subregional office and establishing a private sector hub in Palau.

🔗 link.adb.org/4gwJepW

01/09/2026

ADB President Masato Kanda has received unanimous support for a second term as the bank's President from its Board of Governors.
His new term begins on 24 November 2026.
Read the full announcement here: link.adb.org/3Ukbq6L

ADB President Masato Kanda has received unanimous support for a second term as the bank's President from its Board of Governors.

His new term begins on 24 November 2026.

Read the full announcement here: link.adb.org/3Ukbq6L

31/08/2026

Mauri from Tabwakea Village, Kiritimati Island. 🇰🇮

Meet Tekonaba, a community member from Tabwakea Village, where life is closely connected to the ocean, the land, and community.

But living on one of the world’s most remote islands also means staying connected matters.

“Before, it was difficult to communicate with our families across Kiribati,” Tekonaba shares.

Through a US$21.6 million grant financed by ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF), and implemented in partnership with BwebwerikiNET Limited (BNL), the Kiritimati submarine cable project is helping improve access to faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet — strengthening connections between communities, families, services, and new opportunities.

For Tekonaba and many families on Kiritimati, the cable is more than technology. It is helping bridge distances and bring communities closer together.

31/08/2026

A new passenger terminal is taking shape at Kirakira Wharf, providing a more comfortable and sheltered space for people travelling to and from Makira-Ulawa Province. 🇸🇧

It’s part of major progress at the new Kirakira Wharf, where construction of the wharf structure has now reached 90% completion.

Once complete, the modern, resilient wharf will improve safety for passengers and vessels, make cargo handling easier and strengthen maritime connections for communities across the province.

Work is continuing on the passenger terminal, the road linking the wharf to the existing main road, and other finishing works.
Kirakira Wharf is being delivered under the Solomon Islands Government-led Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, with support from ADB.

The project also includes upgrades to Honiara International Port and Ahanga Wharf on Bellona Island, strengthening transport connections and access to essential services across Solomon Islands.

28/08/2026

Join the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and help strengthen civil society engagement in the Pacific.

We are looking for a 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭) to support the development of a clear, updated, and accessible brief on civil society in the Solomon Islands. This brief will serve as a practical reference for those seeking to better understand, engage, and collaborate with civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country.

🗓️ Deadline for EOI: 04 May 2026, 11:59 PM (Manila time)

Explore the opportunity and apply here:
🔗 https://selfservice.adb.org/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=XXCRS_CSRN_PROFILE_PAGE&selNo=224028

📘 View other civil society briefs:
🔗 https://www.adb.org/publications/series/civil-society-briefs