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The Falepili Union is an agreement between sovereign nations to a more advanced, integrated, and comprehensive partnership. Safeguarding Tuvalu's future lies at the heart of our Falepili Union.

What is the Falepili Union?

The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union comprises a bilateral treaty between Tuvalu and Australia, as well as a commitment articulated in a joint leaders' statement to uplift our broader bilateral partnership. It was signed by Prime Minister Albanese and then Prime Minister Natano on 9 November 2023. On 9 May 2024 Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti and Foreign Minister Wong signed a Joint Statement confirming both governments’ shared commitment to elevating our partnership through the Falepili Union. An Explanatory Memorandum setting out joint understandings on the implementation and interpretation of the Falepili Union was also signed by Foreign Minister Wong and Tuvaluan Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa. 

The key features of the Falepili Union are:

• establishing a special visa arrangement for Tuvaluan citizens to live, work and study in Australia;
• a commitment to protect and promote each other's collective security and sovereignty, including through security commitments that will support a peaceful, safe and prosperous region;
• Australian support for Tuvalu's climate adaptation interests, including an additional $16.9 million for the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP); and
• a commitment to uplift our broader bilateral partnership, including Australia's development assistance.

At the heart of our Falepili Union is a commitment to count on each other as we navigate our shared challenges, particularly climate change and security. It will also strengthen our ability to contribute to regional peace, prosperity, and the collective stewardship of the Blue Pacific Continent.

Tuvalu asked Australia to elevate our partnership to help safeguard its future.

By 2050, estimated half the land area of the capital, Funafuti, will be flooded by tidal waters daily.

Tuvalu's small, remote economy is mainly reliant on revenues from internet domain and fishing licensing.

'Falepili'

is the Tuvaluan term for neighbours who live in close houses. It reflects the duty of neighbours to care for, share with, and protect each other. These values, along with respect for each other's sovereignty and independence, underpin our Union.

How will the Falepili Union work?

The Falepili Union includes commitments between Tuvalu and Australia on:

Building climate resilience

Tuvalu and Australia will work together to support Tuvalu's adaptation priorities. This includes an additional contribution of $16.9 million to Tuvalu's Coastal Adaptation Project, which will increase Funafuti's land mass by over 6% and create new space for housing, critical infrastructure, and essential services. This will help Tuvaluans stay in their homes with safety and dignity and protect their choice to determine their future.

Supporting human mobility with dignity

Tuvalu and Australia have agreed to establish a small, capped annual mobility pathway for Tuvalu to access Australia to live, work, study and connect with family. Underpinning this arrangement is a shared commitment to ensuring human mobility with dignity.

Safeguarding our collective peace and security

Consistent with the Boe Declaration's expanded concept of security, Australia will assist Tuvalu in response to a major natural disaster, health pandemic or military aggression. Our agreement will allow Australia access to Tuvalu's territory if necessary to operationalise this commitment following a request from Tuvalu, as is standard in bilateral security arrangements. With the Pacific the best placed to support the Pacific's own security, Australia and Tuvalu will also mutually agree cooperation with other countries in Tuvalu's security sectors.

Uplifting our partnership

Tuvalu and Australia have committed to continue to work closely together to support Tuvalu's development needs, including through our bilateral development programs, and Australia's regional programs, budget support and contributions to Tuvalu's Trust Fund. We will jointly explore opportunities to build capability in Tuvalu, including through collaborations regarding government services and regulation, and support key infrastructure, recognising its important role in economic development.