Climate mobility is poised to receive increased attention and support as it is recognized as a significant concern for security and stability within the Pacific region. At a recent workshop in Fiji, attendees emphasized the importance of incorporating climate mobility frameworks into regional security structures. Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, stated that this approach aligns climate mobility with broader goals of regional stability, which will help to secure essential resources and political backing for implementation efforts.
The Pacific Joint Working Group (JWG), formed to tackle the challenges of climate-related mobility, has built a framework based on years of collaboration among Pacific countries. Since its inception in 2021, under the shared leadership of Fiji and Tuvalu, the JWG has emphasized the importance of patience, negotiation, and trust among governments in the region.
Key partners, including the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS), were instrumental in managing the drafting and revisions of the framework, ensuring it is co-owned by member states and partners. In reflecting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qereqeretabua noted that a series of regional webinars provided a crucial platform for continued dialogue and collaboration, fostering an environment of trust.
A significant milestone occurred during a workshop in 2022 at Sofitel Nadi, where the Framework progressed from its initial draft to a more refined version. This workshop allowed for insights from various stakeholders to shape a distinctly Pacific policy instrument that reflects both technical expertise and regional sensitivities, paving the way for final endorsement by Pacific leaders in 2024.
This pivotal endorsement served to incorporate the Framework into the Forum Subcommittee on Regional Security, marking a historic recognition of climate mobility as a core issue of human security and stability. Qereqeretabua emphasized that this transition from a member-partner initiative to formal policy architecture relies on continued trust and engagement among members to ensure successful implementation.
Looking ahead, the Framework’s endorsement lays the groundwork for actionable and collaborative regional measures regarding climate mobility. The intention is for member states to actively translate the Framework into effective programs and policies, focusing on outcomes that promote regional stability and human security. Qereqeretabua further stressed that maintaining member commitment will be essential in addressing the complexities of implementation. The extensive collaboration and trust established during the drafting process are expected to form the basis for ongoing cooperation to tackle climate mobility challenges in the Pacific.
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