Pacific sets climate agenda

Pacific climate ministers have bolstered their regional coordination efforts in preparation for COP31, aiming to present a unified stance at the upcoming global climate negotiations in Türkiye. The sixth Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa meeting focused on strategies for the Pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji and the main COP31 event.

“

The Pacific’s strength comes from speaking with one voice.

Ministers deliberated on key regional priorities, technical planning, and coordination mechanisms through the Pacific Senior Officials Taskforce. The meeting was jointly led by Solomon Islands Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Wayne Ghemu, representing the Pacific Islands Forum Chair, and Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

Ghemu emphasized that the Pacific's collective strength lies in speaking with a single voice, which enhances the region's influence and negotiating power in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. Bowen highlighted the Pre-COP meeting as an opportunity for Pacific nations to shape global climate discussions and attract governments and investors to the region, stressing that regional cooperation is vital for achieving outcomes aligned with Pacific priorities.

“

A united approach strengthens the region’s influence and negotiating position.

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program Director General Sefanaia Nawadra noted that Pacific communities are continuously confronting the impacts of climate change. He underscored the responsibility of regional countries to ensure Pacific priorities remain central to global negotiations. Desna Solofa, Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, added that officials are also addressing escalating global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, financial pressures for climate action, scientific uncertainties, and concerns about the pace of multilateral efforts. She stressed the need for the region to remain adaptable while advancing the COP31 Pacific Partnership.

“

Regional solidarity is essential in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The ministers also reviewed recent engagements with Türkiye, outcomes from Bonn climate talks, and discussions during London Climate Action Week. Updates were provided by COP31 Pacific Climate Envoys on their work plans and international engagements through 2026. The talanoa also considered technical meetings designed to shape the Pacific's collective position for COP31.

“

The Pre-COP meeting will give Pacific countries a chance to shape global climate talks.