Exclusive Interview by IMGW News
In this exclusive interview, David Adeang, President of the Republic of Nauru, and Edward Clark, CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme (ECRCP), discuss the country’s innovative approach to tackling both economic and environmental challenges. The ECRCP, launched in the face of Nauru’s extreme vulnerability to climate change, aims not only to generate essential funding but also to advance sustainable solutions for the island nation’s future.
Ray de Bono, Editor-in-Chief of IMGW News, explores the programme’s early successes, its commitment to transparency and governance, and its potential as a model for other small island states facing similar crises.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 1: Since the launch of Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme at COP29, and understanding that these are still the programme’s initial stages, can you share what tangible progress has been made so far in terms of application uptake, funds raised, and early-stage planning for the Higher Ground relocation initiative?
We have ensured that the bedrock of the Nauru programme is our uncompromising, strict due diligence procedures. This is a fundamental pillar of our programme and a safeguard for Nauru’s reputation and securityEdward Clark, CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme (ECRCP)
Edward Clark: We are pleased with the progress of the programme and are seeing increasing demand. As with any large project, it takes time, but the great news is that we have submitted our first applications to the Government, and the registrar has supported them to go to cabinet for approval. This is expected any day. Other applications are still in the process of evaluation, and application volume has been steadily increasing since we received our first applications. There has been very good interest, and we expect to see this interest continuing to rise.
President Adeang: Nauru has launched the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme (ECRCP) as a strategic response to its urgent environmental and economic challenges. According to the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), Nauru is ranked five among the most vulnerable countries globally, and the most vulnerable in the Pacific.
In light of this, securing sustainable, debt-free capital is my priority to build economic resilience. Nauru must invest in key infrastructure, including the construction of freshwater plants to sustain life and initiatives to improve food security.
The ECRCP is designed to fund these urgent priorities, while also supporting the Higher Ground Initiative, which aims to relocate the population to higher ground and build resilient, sustainable communities. The pilot programme for the Higher Ground Initiative has commenced, and this project is ongoing.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 2: How is your administration ensuring that the current programme meets the highest standards of integrity and transparency, particularly to earn the trust of international partners, institutional collaborators, and prospective investors?
President Adeang: Our 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.
These partnerships with international organisations, including Henley, reflect our commitment to good governance and transparency, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively.
Over the past decade, we have made significant efforts to strengthen the resilience of Nauru’s economy and reinforce the integrity of our government institutions. One of the most important milestones was the establishment of the Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund in 2015. This fund ensures that wealth is preserved for future generations, moving Nauru away from a history of short-term resource reliance toward long-term economic sustainability. It reflects our commitment to responsible financial stewardship and planning for the future of our people.
On 26 May 2025, Nauru hosted for the first time, the committee meeting of the Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund (NTF) for the People of the Republic of Nauru. The Fund’s value as at 20 May 2025, stands at $412 million with 76 percent of the Fund made up of contributions from the governments of Nauru, Australia, Taiwan Province of China, New Zealand, and initially the Asian Development Bank.
Ongoing contributions and consistent growth will ensure the fund remains composed to meet the future needs of the government and the Nauruan people. We have also undertaken major reforms to public financial management, enhanced budgetary discipline, and introduced greater transparency and accountability across government operation 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 3: Your government has cited alignment with IMF, OECD, and FATF standards. How are these international frameworks being implemented on the ground, and what monitoring or reporting mechanisms have been put in place to demonstrate compliance and ensure measurable impact?
President Adeang: We have proactively engaged with the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), the regional body of the FATF, throughout the programme’s design and implementation to ensure full compliance with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. From the outset, robust safeguards, comprehensive due diligence, and strict eligibility assessments have been integrated into the Citizenship Programme.
Nauru’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its financial system was acknowledged during the mutual evaluation, and we continue to work closely with international partners to strengthen our systems even further. This proactive approach gives confidence to potential applicants and assures the global community of Nauru’s commitment to best practices.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 4: How does your government plan to balance the inflow of foreign investment with local expectations, ensuring that funds are directly and transparently channelled into the promised areas, such as housing, infrastructure, and public service delivery for Nauruans?
President Adeang: The funds raised through the ECRCP will be deployed strategically to address Nauru’s most pressing needs and ensure long-term resilience. Key areas of investment will include:
- Construction of freshwater desalination plants to secure reliable access to drinking water.
- Development of local food production to strengthen food security.
- Relocation of communities and infrastructure to higher ground under the Higher Ground Initiative.
- Construction of affordable, sustainable housing and walkable neighbourhoods.
- Implementation of renewable energy solutions, such as solar power.
- Rehabilitation of land degraded by phosphate mining.
- Reforestation and environmental restoration initiatives.
- Economic diversification projects designed to reduce reliance on a single sector.
These investments will ensure that Nauru adapts to its environmental challenges and builds a stronger, more self-sufficient future for its people.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 5: In addition to raising much-needed capital to address economic and climate resilience, do you think there are other residual benefits from the Citizenship Program?
President Adeang: Yes, absolutely. Beyond raising critical, debt-free capital to support our Higher Ground Initiative and build essential infrastructure, the Citizenship Programme brings several residual benefits to Nauru.
- First, it significantly raises Nauru’s profile internationally, positioning us as a forward-thinking, proactive, and resilient nation in the face of global challenges.
- Second, it creates new opportunities to engage with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and investors who may bring expertise, networks, and additional investments into our economy, beyond the initial contribution.
- Third, it helps diversify our economic base by creating new avenues for strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.
Ultimately, it is about securing immediate resources and long-term global relationships that will benefit our people for generations to come𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 6: In light of the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme, what potential implications do you foresee for Nauru’s programme, especially in terms of visa-free access, reputational risk, and long-term international legitimacy?
Edward Clark: We are working with other nations to ensure they understand the objectives of this unique programme, and I believe they do. We have ensured that the bedrock of the Nauru programme is our uncompromising, strict due diligence procedures. This is a fundamental pillar of our programme and a safeguard for Nauru’s reputation and security. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including international law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the highest levels of due diligence and international best practices are applied in the review of each citizenship application. Only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be accepted.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 7: You’ve described the Higher Ground initiative as a long-term vision. Could you outline the expected short-to-medium-term milestones, such as detailed land-use studies, zoning frameworks, housing and infrastructure rollouts, and any timelines that are currently in place?
President Adeang: Relocating 90 percent of our inhabitants inland requires careful planning and adequate infrastructure – therefore, it is a long-term endeavour. But the pilot programme has commenced.
We know that small nations can lead with big ideas – and that with vision, integrity, and international partnership, we can turn vulnerability into strength.David Adeang, President of the Republic of Nauru
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 8: While the programme promises transformative economic and climate benefits, concerns persist that such schemes can prioritise short-term revenue over long-term governance. What additional safeguards – beyond standard due diligence – are being employed to shield the initiative from criminal misuse and geopolitical scrutiny?
𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒔.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 9: Beyond climate adaptation, do you believe your model could serve as a legitimate template for other small island states facing similar climate and fiscal challenges?
Edward Clark: Climate vulnerable island nations should no longer view themselves as passive recipients of climate funding, but think differently in their approach to climate resilience. They have both a need and a right to be prosperous in the face of a global climate emergency. It is well known that developing climate vulnerable countries are disproportionately impacted by climate change, and there is therefore an urgent need to ensure they disproportionately benefit from climate innovation. The case of Nauru highlights the opportunities for climate vulnerable countries to become testing grounds for climate innovation, whether it be a citizenship programme or something else. Climate entrepreneurs should be partnering with Governments who are beneficiaries of climate funding to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions. This innovative financing initiative is an opportunity for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific. We believe this is an example of the bold and transformative action vulnerable nations must take to survive.
𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 10: Finally, are there other economic development strategies underway to diversify Nauru’s revenue base and avoid dependency on a single stream such as citizenship-by-investment? If so, which sectors – such as digital services, fisheries, or renewable energy – are being prioritised?
President Adeang: Critical investments have been made in infrastructure, education, health, and utilities, including renewable energy, to lay the foundation for a diversified economy. A key recent initiative is Nauru’s hosting of the Micronesian Games, for which we are constructing a national stadium and related training facilities. This investment will position Nauru as a regional hub for sport and have lasting social benefits by promoting healthier lifestyles and providing opportunities for our youth. It is part of our broader vision to improve the health of our citizens, strengthen social cohesion, and foster national pride. In addition, we continue to prioritise education, recognising it as the foundation for building a responsible, skilled, and healthier citizenry. Through these efforts, we are working toward an upgraded standard of living, greater self-reliance, and a future in which all Nauruans can thrive.
- 𝑨𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔?
President Adeang: Our Government has been steadfast in building a stronger foundation for our people: strengthening financial integrity, investing in future generations, and forging new pathways for resilience. Launching the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme is another important step in this journey – a step not just toward survival, but toward a thriving and sustainable Nauru. Nauru’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope. We know that small nations can lead with big ideas – and that with vision, integrity, and international partnership, we can turn vulnerability into strength.
“These investments will ensure that Nauru adapts to its environmental challenges and builds a stronger, more self-sufficient future for its people”
The conversation with President Adeang and CEO Clark makes clear that Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme is a bold and multifaceted initiative, rooted in transparency, rigorous due diligence, and long-term sustainability.
By focusing on infrastructure, climate adaptation, and economic resilience, Nauru is positioning itself as a leader in addressing the challenges faced by small island states. The programme not only aims to secure the country’s future but also offers a compelling model for other vulnerable nations. As the island embarks on this journey, its focus on collaboration, integrity, and innovation offers hope for a thriving, resilient future.
Source/Credit: IMGW News