Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers have expressed strong support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, framing it as a Pacific COP designed to push global climate action and elevate regional priorities on the world stage. The ministers invoked the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now to underscore that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of Pacific peoples. They emphasized that hosting COP31 in partnership with Australia would ensure Pacific voices are heard at the highest levels and help accelerate practical action in line with the Paris Agreement.
In their statement, the ministers reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to co-hosting the historic summit and highlighted a strong willingness to advocate for vulnerable countries, urging urgent global efforts to keep warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius. They pointed to regional initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility as evidence of tangible steps underway to bolster resilience and climate adaptation across island states. The callaries also stressed a duty to champion the needs of all countries affected by climate change, with a focus on the most vulnerable, and to reorient global action toward concrete measures that align with the targets of the Paris Agreement and the 1.5C goal.
The move comes amid ongoing international diplomacy around COP31, with the United Nations climate chief last month urging Australia and Turkey to resolve their long-running bid tussle and avoid delays. The COP31 host must be unanimously agreed by the 28 members of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG), a process that remains pivotal as the decision is expected to be finalised at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November.
Regional voices have further signaled support for an Australia-Pacific partnership on COP31. Palau’s leadership has publicly backed the bid, linking regional unity and investments in clean energy to the success of COP31. In the broader Pacific discourse, leaders have framed the conference as an opportunity to accelerate renewable energy deployment, boost climate finance, and strengthen regional cohesion in the face of existential climate threats.
The Pacific push also comes amid wider political dynamics in Australia, where debates about the hosting bid have intersected with domestic political considerations. Nonetheless, Pacific leaders and climate advocates see hosting COP31 as a chance to demonstrate genuine climate leadership, align domestic and international policy with regional climate priorities, and attract investment in renewable energy and resilience.
Analysts note that a successful COP31 in the Pacific could help spotlight the region’s climate vulnerabilities while showcasing Australia’s capacity to lead on clean energy and regional cooperation. At the same time, the situation remains a reminder of the diplomatic sensitivities involved in brokered agreements among rival bids and regional groups, which will require careful negotiation to maintain momentum toward a meaningful, action-oriented summit.
Overall, the Pacific Islands Forum’s backing of Australia’s COP31 bid reinforces a clear message: the Pacific seeks a high-profile, outcome-focused conference that centers vulnerable nations, accelerates progress toward 1.5C, and strengthens regional collaboration on climate resilience and sustainable energy in the region and beyond. If consensus proves elusive before COP30, discussions about alternatives or accommodations may emerge, but the current stance signals a hopeful outlook for a globally significant, Pacific-led climate summit.
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