Tuvalu is an important United States partner in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Our relationship is based on mutual respect and common values of strength through diversity, fairness, and freedom.

The U.S. and Tuvalu have a longstanding relationship and USAID has funded development programs in Tuvalu since 1979. To advance the goals of the Indo-Pacific Vision, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) focuses on three objectives in Tuvalu: (1) encouraging transparent and accountable democracy under the rule of law, where government action is responsive and inclusive to all citizens; (2) increasing the resilience and adaptability of the response to natural disasters and future climate risks; and 3) promoting the development of a free, fair, and stable economic system, driven by investments in human capital, infrastructure, and improved natural resource management.

OUR WORK

As the world’s premier development agency, USAID focuses on reinforcing democratic governance, bolstering disaster preparedness and response, protecting biodiversity, and responding to COVID-19 in Tuvalu. USAID partners with the Government of Tuvalu, development and humanitarian partners, the private sector, academia, civil society, and others to achieve our shared development goals.

DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

USAID reinforces the foundations of good governance in Tuvalu by encouraging all citizens — including women, youth and other marginalized groups — to participate in democratic processes. USAID also promotes government accountability and transparency by encouraging citizen engagement and effective policy implementation.

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Tuvalu’s economic success is closely linked to its rich but threatened biodiversity, which is under threat from climate change. USAID empowers local partners to transparently and effectively manage environmental resources and adapt and respond to the climate crisis.

HEALTH AND COVID-19 ASSISTANCE

USAID supported Tuvalu to prevent the spread and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID has provided medical equipment, supplies, and training for Tuvaluan medical personnel. USAID is providing technical assistance to support vaccine deployment efforts in the region. USAID is also boosting Tuvalu’s resilience and its ability to respond to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19.

CROSS CUTTING

USAID is strengthening the capacity of locally established civil society organizations in the Pacific to address the second order impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID assistance supports communities to increase their resilience to disasters and climate risks, enhance their livelihoods, increase food security, improve access to water, bolster health and education, improve governance, manage natural resources more sustainably, and conserve vital biodiversity.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

Climate and disaster risks are existential threats to Pacific Island countries. USAID is strengthening Tuvalu’s resources and systems to prepare for and address the effects of climate change and disasters. USAID is building community resilience for natural disasters by collecting data on household food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.