PCRIC Finance Manager Bolsters Pacific Resilience at ESCAP Session

Mr. Henry Cocker, Finance and Planning Manager of PCRIC, is attending the 81st Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 21st to 25th. As a panellist in a side event co-hosted by PCRIC, the ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific, and the Pacific Islands Forum, he showcased pathways to a stronger Pacific through the Pacific Resilience Facility.

Mr. Cocker shared how PCRIC, founded in 2015 by Pacific Finance Ministers, delivers tailored parametric insurance for tropical cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and excess rainfall, with drought and extreme heat products in development. He stressed rapid payouts—within 14 days—and ongoing policy adjustments through regional dialogue to meet local needs. Backed by donors Germany, the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan, PCRIC’s premium subsidies make coverage affordable, and Mr. Cocker welcomed new partners to expand this support.

By pooling risks to access global reinsurance, PCRIC fills gaps left by private markets, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals like economic growth and climate action. Throughout the week, Mr. Cocker will observe main sessions and side events, forging connections to advance Pacific resilience.