As requested by Government of Kiribati, India will provide funding support of US Dollar 900,000 from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the project, “Improving income and livelihood for Communities on the Outer Islands through Virgin Coconut Oil Production in Kiribati.”
The project aims to establish two virgin coconut oil processing plants at Tamana and Nikunau islands; procure and install virgin coconut oil processing equipment; train community members and partner with organizations like the International Coconut Community. The project will result in the production of value-added products, improved economic returns, and enhanced income and livelihoods. The construction of two virgin processing plants will considerably develop the coconut sector in Kiribati which will cause improved livelihoods and reduce over-reliance on low-value copra and coconut crude oil products.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi had met with Heads of Delegation from Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) on 24th September 2019 in New York. In the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas” (together with all, for the development of all and with the trust of all), he announced allocation of US$ 1 million to each PSIDS towards implementation of high impact developmental project in the area of their choice. The project in Kiribati will be funded through this arrangement.
On this occasion, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said, “India and PSIDS have shared values and a shared future. India will continue to support efforts of the PSIDS to achieve their developmental goals through necessary developmental and technical assistance”.
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, established by Government of India in June 2017, provides support to projects in developing countries that aim to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund adheres to the principles of South-South cooperation and places a priority on national ownership and leadership, equality, sustainability, development of local capacity and mutual benefit. A total of US$ 150 million over the next decade has been committed by Government of India for the Fund which is managed by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
