During the EarthX Congress of Conferences held in Dallas, Texas from 20–22 April 2026, Ambassador Tapugao Falefou participated in the high-level panel discussion, “The Pacific Agenda: Aligning Nations, Priorities and Partnerships.”
Ms. Tinai Kepa, First Secretary and Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the United Nations, delivered Tuvalu’s intervention today on the Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2026, noting that while some progress has been made since Seville, overall advancement remains slow and uneven. She underscored that macroeconomic headwinds, conflict, fragmentation, and climate-induced disasters continue to erode development gains, with SIDS and LDCs facing widening financing gaps for the SDGs and climate action.
Ealier today, Amb. Tapugao Falefou joined virtually from Dallas, Texas, where he is attending the Earth-X Congress of Conferences, and was privilege to join virtually Indonesia’s panel discussion on sea-level rise, where he shared Tuvalu’s perspective on the accelerating risks facing low-lying nations. He reiterated that sea-level rise is a test of global solidarity and a defining challenge for the international system.
Today at the IMF-World Spring Meetings, Amb. H.E Dr Tapugao Falefou represented Tuvalu at the Small States Forum that was officially opened by the World Bank President Ajay Banga. In his remarks, Mr. Banga reflected on his historic 2024 visit to Tuvalu and graciously acknowledged the constructive and inspiring engagement he had during his time in the country.
Tuvalu’s Permanent Representative met with the IMF Article IV mission chief and team, alongside the Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department, on 14 April, during the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Discussions covered recent economic developments in Tuvalu, the spillover impacts of the Middle East conflict, the growing macroeconomic challenges posed by climate change, and priority areas where IMF policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development can provide support.
On Day 2 of the IMF/WB Spring Meeting in Washington DC, Amb Dr. Tapugao Falefou, on behalf of Tuvalu, made an intervention at the 16th CVF–V20 Ministerial Dialogue, highlighting the urgent realities facing climate‑vulnerable economies. He underscored how repeated climate shocks continue to erode fiscal space, strain public services, and heighten risks to stability and security across communities in Tuvalu.
Today in Washington DC, Amb. Tapugao Falefou speak at the Johns Hopkins University on the Science Diplomacy Summit 2026 on a panel titled “Climate Finance: From Commitment to Action.”
Amb. Falefou shared Tuvalu’s perspective as one of the world’s most climate‑vulnerable and geographically isolated nations — where climate finance is not a policy debate but a question of national survival.
Today, at the second informal consultation on the UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tapugao Falefou delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Coalition on addressing Sea-Level Rise and its Existential Threats (C-SET), followed by Tuvalu’s national statement.
The Coalition on Addressing Sea-Level Rise and its Existential Threats (C-SET) organized a half-day Expert-Level Thematic Workshop, bringing together leading experts, practitioners, and Member States to deepen understanding across the four key thematic areas identified in the UN High-Level Meeting of September 2024.
The discussions provided valuable insights to help inform ongoing work toward a UN political declaration that responds to the growing urgency of sea-level rise.
On 1 April, His Excellency Mr. Tapugao Falefou, chaired and moderated Session 5 on Addressing Climate Change and Building Resilience at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action.
The session brought together Member States and UN agencies to exchange views on strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems, improving disaster risk governance, promoting risk-informed national planning, and supporting community-led adaptation efforts.
