Overview:
Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme is already delivering financial support for national priorities, President David Adeang says. The initiative, launched last year, is attracting global applicants and generating funds to strengthen the island’s economic stability and climate resilience under strict screening standards.
YAREN, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (NAURU GOVT) — Nauru President David Adeang says the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme, established last year, is already generating funds to address Nauru’s most pressing needs.
He said the programme was one of many bold initiatives implemented by the government in the last term to help establish long term resilience.
“It takes courage to change a nation’s trajectory, but we are proving that it can be done with innovative thinking and the support of our people.”
The programme has already seen people from across the world apply for citizenship, and while some have been approved, many applications have been rejected, as all applicants undergo the strictest and most thorough due diligence procedures.
“We said at the outset that only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping our future will be accepted, and Nauruans can be assured that only these people will be able to carry our passport.”
He emphasised that those granted citizenship are not expected to reside in Nauru and are unable to vote or purchase land.
“Those being approved are aware that Nauru is ranked the fifth most vulnerable country in the world and the most vulnerable in the Pacific to economic and climate shock.
“They know we are proactively working to bring positive change and want to support us.”
The first new citizens approved under the programme included a German family of four who recently sold their long-standing, reputable family business and are currently living in Dubai.
Programme CEO Edward Clark said they were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility and chose the Nauru programme because the contribution was going towards tackling the impacts of climate change on the island.
In November, an American man became the first person under the programme to visit Nauru, saying at the time, “Not only does Nauruan citizenship give me a sense of safety as a neutral country, but the funds are going towards the economy and environment and helping the people of Nauru to become more climate resilient, and I feel good about that.”
President Adeang said the government continues to pursue innovative and responsible economic opportunities while also prioritising social cohesion and health…. PACNEWS