Trump Paris Withdrawal Won’t Stop Smallest Nation with Biggest Climate Vision

For immediate release

The chief executive of a climate financing initiative for one of the world’s smallest and most vulnerable nations says the withdrawal by the United States from the Paris Agreement should motivate vulnerable nations to be more innovative in their approach to climate resilience.

The Pacific Island nation of Nauru launched the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (the program) at Cop 29 in Baku on November 13 last year.

CEO Edward Clark said the program is a way for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific.

He acknowledged that some Pacific leaders have expressed concern that the decision by US President Donald Trump to abandon the Paris Agreement may affect climate funding in the region.

However he said traditional funding mechanisms are no longer enough and Nauru believes the climate crisis “demands bold, transformative action.”

“We are the world’s smallest republic with the world’s biggest climate resilience vision.

“Our government refuses to be mere victims of circumstance and believes that the time for half-measures and incremental change has passed.”

A major part of the country’s climate initiative is moving 90 per cent of the population who live on the coast to higher ground which currently can’t be built on.

“This is a monumental task and one well beyond the normal financial capability of Nauru,” Mr Clark said.

“Our program is a way of opening Nauru to the world and enabling citizenship in a nation actively working towards climate resilience.

“It’s for those who want to support Nauru's sustainable development initiatives.”

Nauru’s government engaged global investment migration leaders Henley & Partners to design, set up, and run the program, which offers investors Nauruan citizenship through a contribution to the national Treasury Fund, starting at USD 105,000 for a single applicant.

Mr Clark, who has a background in compliance and financial crime investigation, said Nauru’s program adheres to Financial Action Task Force standards and undergoes the strictest and most thorough due diligence procedures.

“Only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be accepted.”

He said Nauru’s alignment with IMF guidance ensures sound financial management and long-term economic stability, while collaboration with the World Bank and OECD provides the expertise and oversight needed to make this initiative a success.

“The Government is committed to good governance and transparency, and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively.”

While Mr Clark said this type of financing is not for every vulnerable nation, he believes those countries on the front line of rising sea levels need a paradigm shift in how they approach climate resilience and sustainable development.