BERLIN, GERMANY – June 18, 2026 – On the sidelines of the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine met with Mr. Ibrahima Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), to discuss international efforts to address the growing impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations and communities.
During the meeting, President Heine reaffirmed the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ longstanding commitment to advancing global action on loss and damage and welcomed the progress made in operationalizing the Fund. Discussions focused on the unique challenges confronting small island developing states and atoll nations, including the impacts of sea level rise, environmental degradation, and threats to livelihoods, culture, and food security. President Heine emphasized the importance of ensuring that vulnerable countries have access to the resources, partnerships, and support needed to strengthen resilience and respond effectively to climate-related losses and damages.
The meeting also underscored the importance of ensuring that the Fund remains adequately resourced to meet the growing needs of climate-vulnerable countries. President Heine emphasized the role of international cooperation in supporting communities already experiencing irreversible climate impacts and reiterated the Marshall Islands’ commitment to advancing ambitious climate action through its leadership within the High Ambition Coalition.
President Heine also noted the Marshall Islands’ continued engagement in international discussions on loss and damage, including upcoming opportunities for dialogue and collaboration that will help elevate the perspectives and priorities of vulnerable nations within the global climate agenda.
