Ireland is to donate €3m to assist Pacific islands at threat from climate change.

Climate and environment minister Darragh O’Brien made the announcement at UN Climate Week in New York, saying in a speech that Ireland is “delighted” to make the money available. He said that the pledge “reflects Ireland’s increasing partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum”.

There are around 40 small island nations (SIDs) grouped by the UN which share sustainable development challenges. While they represent around 1% of the Earth’s population, their remote geography makes the challenges of climate change particularly acute, according to the UN.

The money is part of an overall fundraising target of $500m for adaptation funding across the islands. Mr O’Brien said in his speech that those countries must not be asked to face the challenges of climate change alone.

“A key ask from the Pacific has been climate finance for adaptation measures, which is therefore now a focus of Ireland’s climate diplomacy and financing in the region.

“SIDs must not face climate challenges alone. The international community needs solutions to address the impact of climate change on those most impacted.”

Sudan

Ireland has also announced additional funding of €3m to support people in Sudan. The funding brings Ireland’s total support for people in Sudan in 2025 to €14.3m.

Sudan is now the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 12 million people forcibly displaced and approximately nine million people facing the immediate prospect of famine. 

The funding will support the efforts of UN agencies working with the most affected communities to provide urgent humanitarian relief.

Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said Ireland “continues to call on the international community to bring greater pressure to bring this appalling conflict to an end”.

“We need to see a negotiated settlement which preserves Sudan’s territorial integrity”.

The €3m in funding will support protection, nutrition, and health, and will also provide assistance including water, sanitation, and shelter to displaced people in Sudan and in neighbouring countries.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and the minister of state Neil Richmond announced grants of over €4.6m to Irish diaspora organisations in the US and Canada. Mr Richmond said the Government was keen to keep close relations with the diaspora.

“One of the key messages I hear in my meetings with members of the Irish community abroad is their willingness to share their experience and connections to support greater economic relationships. As part of our new diaspora strategy, we will avail of this goodwill to allow Irish businesses to thrive in strategically important locations.”