AFTER a lapse of seven years, the Association of Development Financing Institutions in the Pacific (ADFIP) gathered in Nadi this month for its annual general meeting.
In his welcoming address, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) regional director Pacific Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia said the 2025 AGM was an important milestone.
“For several years, ADFIP was largely inactive, and the region lost a platform that once played a central role in knowledge exchange, peer learning, and coordinated approaches to development financing,” Mr Tuisolia said.
“Yet throughout that period, a number of development banks continued to advocate for the Association’s revival.
“Their determination has been crucial in bringing us to this moment.”
Mr Tuisolia said through the Greening the Pacific Financial Systems programme, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), GGGI have been privileged to support a structured process of reactivating ADFIP.
“That process has included rebuilding communication across member institutions, updating the membership register, reviewing governance arrangements, and preparing the conference and AGM that have now brought us together.
“I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Bank of the Cook Islands and its CEO, Ms Jennifer Henry, who has played a central role in guiding this revitalisation. I also acknowledge our partners from AFD, whose continued investment in Pacific development finance is making this work possible.
“Looking ahead, ADFIP has a real opportunity to evolve into a modern, well governed, and high value regional platform.
“A draft Business Plan will be discussed at this AGM which outlines a clear pathway for that transformation.
“It positions ADFIP to support development financing institutions in advancing sustainable and inclusive financing, strengthening institutional capability, and aligning with emerging opportunities.”
Ratu Sakiusa said the two-day discussions focused on setting the governance foundation for ADFIP’s next phase: electing a board, confirming secretariat functions and reviewing financial arrangements.
Delegates at the Association of Development Financing Institutions in the Pacific (ADFIP) annual general meeting held in Nadi. Picture:ELENA VUCUKULA
