The COVID-19 pandemic created social and economic shocks in the Pacific region and the ongoing recovery is not uniform. Countries across the region have responded in different ways, and have different capabilities and economic and financial resources.  Climate change and climate-related disasters will continue to impact on Pacific governments' ability to invest in public services. Earlier this year, the Pacific Islands Forum held a Regional Debt Conference between Forum Island Countries (FICs) and their Creditors to discuss and explore options for debt relief.

This panel will discuss the economic debt challenges facing Pacific nations, debt sustainability and risks, and policy responses and mechanisms – and how these shape the region’s development outcomes. It will explore the choices available to governments and the roles of different international actors such as multilateral development banks and bilateral development cooperation agencies.