LocationsGovernment of Vanuatu and UNDP Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate-Resilient Road Investment in Malekula
August 4, 2026
Vanuatu Ministry of Climate Change, Meteorology and Hydro-meteorological Services, Geological Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management Director General, David Gibson (fourth from left) and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov (third from left) with the Ministry and UNDP team,
Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Government of Vanuatu has announced an investment of US$ 20 million (approximately VT 2.3 billion) in financing for the Malekula Climate Resilient Road Infrastructure Project in Malampa Province, marking a significant step towards strengthening climate-resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure on the country’s second largest island.
The Government, through the Ministry of Climate Change, Meteorology and Hydro-meteorological Services, Geological Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct a pre-feasibility assessment of the project.
The investment demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing resilience to climate impacts and supporting economic opportunities for communities across Malekula. This commitment is complimentary to a US$3 million grant jointly mobilised by the Government of Vanuatu in partnership with UNDP in June 2026 through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
In response to the Government’s request, UNDP has proposed a phased approach to advance project preparation and implementation. The first phase focuses on pre-feasibility assessments of technical, economic, environmental and financial viability of the proposed road infrastructure investments and help inform subsequent project design and financing decisions.
Director General for the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management, David Gibson and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov.
Director General for the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management, David Gibson said:
“The Government’s substantial co-financing commitment reflects the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure for Vanuatu’s long-term development and resilience agenda. Investment in resilient roads is critical to ensuring reliable access to essential services.”
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, said:
“The proposed phased approach will help establish a strong evidence base for investment decisions while ensuring that financing arrangements are aligned with national priorities and whole-of-island development approach. Through this process, UNDP remains committed to supporting the Government of Vanuatu to develop resilient infrastructure solutions that strengthen climate adaptation and deliver sustainable benefits for communities.”
The Malekula Climate Resilient Road Infrastructure Project is expected to contribute to improved transport connectivity, increased resilience to extreme weather events and enhanced socio-economic opportunities for communities across Malekula, supporting Vanuatu’s broader sustainable development and climate resilience goals.
For more information, please contact:
Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org
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