FIJI, Oct. 8 -- Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has called for faster and more accessible climate and disaster financing for Pacific Island countries, warning that delays in funding can cost lives and undermine recovery.

Speaking at the "Right Money, Right Time - Fixing the Timing Gap in Pacific Climate Finance" side event at the Pacific Pre-COP31, Teo said Pacific countries needed financing that could be accessed quickly when disasters strike.

"Every minute lost without action is a minute lost from saving lives," Teo said.

He highlighted Tuvalu's efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness through regional mechanisms, including the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), its participation in the PCRIC Foundation and the i...