Pacific Islands Forum leaders have given their endorsement to Australia’s proposal to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026. They have declared it would be a “Pacific COP,” aimed at highlighting the voices of nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This announcement was made during the 54th Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting in Honiara, underscoring that climate change remains the paramount threat to the people of the Pacific and continues to impede progress toward the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In their statement, the leaders reaffirmed existing commitments from the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Kainaki II Declaration on Urgent Climate Change Action. They called for intensified global efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing a commitment to advocate for those worst affected and to refocus international efforts on practical steps aligned with the Paris Agreement.
The forum brought attention to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is seen as critical in enhancing the region’s capacity to endure the escalating impacts of climate change. By supporting the plan for COP31 in Australia, the Pacific leaders highlighted the unique opportunity for the region to influence international climate negotiations, steering commitments towards maintaining the 1.5°C target.
Backing from foreign ministers across Pacific Forum nations further emphasizes the regional unity in addressing this global challenge. Mindful of the recent pledge from Palau’s leadership, which ties regional unity and clean energy investment to the success of COP31, the broader Pacific sees the conference as a pivotal opportunity for accelerating renewable energy efforts, advancing climate finance, and reinforcing regional solidarity.
Australia’s bid, perceived not merely as a national initiative but as a collective regional effort, aligns with the longstanding need for action-oriented, collaborative measures targeting the challenges faced by Pacific nations, including frequent super-cyclones, sea-level rise, and climate-induced resource loss.
Moreover, the Pacific Islands’ support enriches a narrative of regional resilience and strategic investment in sustainable solutions. A host arrangement with Australia would demand Australia to align its policies with regional climate goals, pushing forward a profound agenda on clean energy transition and robust climate diplomacy. The region’s backing signals a hopeful outlook for a high-profile, impactful summit aimed at driving climate action, ensuring that the Pacific’s vital concerns are at the forefront of international discourse.
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