The Planning, Budget and Aid Coordination Department (PBACD) of the Government of Tuvalu has taken an important step to improve budget transparency and accessibility with the development and launch of the 2025–2026 Citizen’s Budget Guide (CBG) on 20 August.
The CBG is a simplified version of the national budget, created to present complex budget information in clear, easy-to-understand language supported by diagrams and visuals. It is designed for all Tuvaluans—including primary and secondary school students, youth, women, community leaders, and persons with disabilities. Its main aim is to strengthen public financial management, promote accountability, and build greater public understanding of how government resources are allocated to deliver essential services.
A dedicated committee was established to guide the preparation of the CBG, focusing on content, layout, and format to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with Tuvalu’s budget processes. Members of this committee included representatives from PBACD, the Office of the Auditor General, the Te Vaka Pasefika Project under TANGO (Tuvalu Association of Non-Governmental Organizations), the EU Consultant, and Technical Advisor provided by the Australian Government.
The launch and socialization of the CBG were funded through the Technical Assistance Fund (TAF), supported by DFAT. Additional financial support was provided by the Te Vaka Pasefika Project under TANGO, enabling wider outreach to outer islands and civil society groups.
During the launch, PBACD officials highlighted that the CBG is not only a tool for communication but also a step toward inclusive governance. “This initiative reflects Tuvalu’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By providing citizens with accessible information about the budget, we open opportunities for stronger dialogue between government and communities,” a PBACD representative said.
Participants at the event also offered valuable feedback to improve future editions of the guide, including enhancing public engagement in the budget process, expanding the content to cover additional details, and producing versions with larger print for easier reading.
Civil society groups have warmly welcomed the initiative. TANGO, through the Te Vaka Pasefika Project, emphasized that the CBG will help communities better connect national priorities with everyday needs, supporting more meaningful participation in Tuvalu’s development journey.
The CBG is now being distributed through community outreach activities, island consultations, and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development’s website ( www.finance.gov.tv ) —ensuring that people across Tuvalu, including those in the outer islands, can access and understand their national budget.
