As Australia’s flagship investment in Tuvalu under the Falepili Union Treaty, the Tuvalu-Australia Partnership for Economic Governance – Te Ao is helping strengthen economic governance and fiscal resilience.
Through its in-country technical advisers, the eight-year program works alongside government counterparts every day to strengthen systems, build capability and support priority areas.
Ten months on since its inception, the Te Ao team is continuing to make strides, by building and maintaining key relationships and convening forums for Government of Tuvalu colleagues and technical personnel to design and decide on strategies that will support the program’s objectives.
Te Ao hosts its first Planning and Reflections Workshop
In mid-July (14-16 July) 2026, the Te Ao program held its Planning and Reflection Workshop, which brought together more than 20 stakeholders, including Government of Tuvalu counterparts, Te Ao personnel and the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform (Partnerships Platform).
During her opening remarks, First Secretary Georgina McKay highlighted the purpose at the heart of the partnership.
“Te Ao is our biggest program supporting the Government of Tuvalu with good governance to help it spend money in a way that enables Tuvaluans to stay and thrive. While improving systems and strengthening public financial management are important, the focus is on how we positively impact Tuvaluans.”
Over three days, participants reflected on progress, shared lessons and opportunities and worked together to identify activities with a shared vision in delivering meaningful results for the next financial year.
Te Ao Second Steering Committee Meeting provides strategic direction
Following a successful planning workshop, on 29 August 2026, Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Panapasi Nelesone and Australian High Commissioner David Charlton co-chaired Te Ao’s second Steering Committee Meeting.
This meeting was an opportunity for the two Governments to assess past performance and make strategic decisions to support good economic governance in Tuvalu.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that, “since our inaugural meeting in March, we have continued to strengthen this important partnership under the Falepili Union. As we move into the next phase of implementation, our focus should be on achieving practical results. Success will be measured not by the number of advisers we recruited, but by stronger systems, better public financial management, improved service delivery, and lasting capacity within Government institutions”.
The Australian High Commissioner said “we were pleased that we could use mechanisms under Te Ao to support Tuvalu’s response to the State of Emergency and energy and fuel crisis. It shows how adaptable and responsive Te Ao can be, ensuring we deliver for Tuvalu and Tuvaluans”.
Te Ao personnel also showcased their work supporting the Government’s cost of living payments and work to support TEC’s financial management.
Te Ao highlights the Australian Government’s commitment under the Falepili Union to continue supporting Tuvaluans to live and prosper in Tuvalu. Australia is proud to work alongside Tuvalu for a sustainable future through Te Ao.