Yaren, Nauru – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in the North Pacific and the Government of Nauru convened the Annual Programme Review (APR) in December to reflect on 2024 achievements and outline priorities for 2025 and beyond. Discussions focused on climate resilience, sustainable development, and strengthening partnerships.  

The review brought together UNDP representatives, government officials, and development stakeholders to evaluate progress and set future goals. Highlights included advancements in renewable energy, effective governance, and key initiatives in food systems and climate resilience. UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific Kevin Petrini co-chaired the APR together with Deputy Secretary for Social Welfare, Nauru Department of Finance, Andy Cain.  

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Petrini highlighted the strong collaboration between UNDP and the Government of Nauru in advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and good governance.  

“We are proud to support Nauru’s efforts. As we look toward 2025, our partnership remains key to achieving the country’s development goals, and we are committed to providing the technical and strategic support necessary for long-term success."  

Deputy Secretary Cain expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with UNDP, especially with the establishment of the new United Nations Office, further strengthening its presence in the country.  

“This meeting has been a vital opportunity to reflect on our progress and set clear priorities for the coming year. The insights shared will be invaluable as we move forward with our development agenda and strengthen Nauru’s resilience and governance systems."  

Climate Change and Resilience

Under the Supporting Mainstreamed Achievement Roadmap Targets of Energy in Nauru (SMARTEN) Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Department of Climate Change and National Resilience (DCCNR), notable milestones included the launch of Nauru’s first e-Bus for public transportation. This initiative supports Nauru's goal of increasing access to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies as part of the country’s broader energy roadmap.  

SMARTEN project aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions to drive sustainable development in Nauru. In addition to the e-Bus, the project has also focused on strengthening government policies and regulatory frameworks to enhance energy access and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.  

Other highlights discussed during the meeting included the introduction of a $6M climate-smart agriculture (CSA) project, commencing in early 2026, to address food security and land degradation in Nauru. This initiative will integrate seed banks, pest control, and fertilizer management, along with the promotion of climate-resilient farming practices.  

Effective Governance

The review also emphasized the progress in strengthening the country’s governance through the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG) project, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).  

In 2024, NAIG supported key initiatives such as the development of a comprehensive legal framework for electoral reform, which resulted in a report submitted to the Cabinet for further consideration. Additionally, NAIG provided technical support to the Electoral Commission in preparation for the 2025 elections and helped establish strategic partnerships in the justice sector. This included an exciting collaboration between the Nauru Police Force and the Fiji Police Force, focusing on human rights and policing. With the leadership of the Nauru Police Commissioner, and the technical support of the University of the South Pacific’s Leadership, Good Governance and Human Rights program, UNDP is also assisting with the design of a human rights and policing program tailored for the Nauru context. 

Further efforts included the development and implementation of the first ever Nauru Parliament Strategic Plan and the Community Engagement Strategy. NAIG also contributed to the Nauru Gender Electoral Mapping, which identified barriers to women’s participation in politics and proposed actionable recommendations for gender equality in the electoral system.  

The APR concluded with a summary of next steps, including a review of new project proposals for 2025, and a commitment to continue strengthening resilience against climate change, improving governance, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more information please contact:

Leandra Carolina Gonzalez Flor, UNDP Pacific Office in North Pacific, Communications Specialist, E: leandra.flor@undp.org