The COP31 partnership between Türkiye and Australia, which includes the Pacific nations, marks a historic moment for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. With Türkiye taking on the COP31 Presidency and Australia serving as the President of Negotiations, the pre-COP events will be hosted in the Pacific, a first in UNFCCC history.
During the opening of the fourth COP31 Pacific Senior Officials Taskforce meeting in Nadi, Fiji, the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) emphasized the significance of this partnership. “The world is watching closely how the Australia – Pacific partnership, together with Türkiye, will reshape collaboration and drive urgent global climate action,” he stated.
The Pacific Islands are seizing this unique opportunity as the task force convenes to discuss strategies for the upcoming pre-COP events and Australia’s role in the negotiations. The collaborative agenda set by Australia and the Pacific Islands aims to bolster their visibility and ensure their priorities are addressed throughout the pre-COP and COP processes.
Tagaloa Cooper, Director of Climate Change Resilience of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), articulated the region’s resolve: “We must not only be present – we must be heard.” The Türkiye-Australia partnership is seen as a vital avenue for enhancing participation and influence in climate discussions.
As the pre-COP approaches, attention will also be on the impacts of climate change on small island developing states, with a session dedicated to addressing their climate finance needs. This will provide an important platform for pledges to support the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).
The next significant gathering on this pathway will be the COP31 Climate Ministers Meeting in Brisbane, Australia, aimed at solidifying the Australia-Pacific partnership and promoting global outcomes in climate negotiations.
Esther O’Brien of the Solomon Islands, co-chair of the COP31 PSOT Meeting, underscored the crucial nature of COP31, stating, “This is our opportunity for the voices of the unheard to be heard.” She expressed hope that unity among nations will lead to meaningful discussions and outcomes.
Both Türkiye and Australia, in collaboration with the Pacific nations, strive to elevate the action agenda on climate change, seeking to bring Pacific perspectives to the forefront of global climate dialogue. The COP31 Pacific Senior Officials Taskforce Meeting is set to take place in Nadi, Fiji, from February 19 to 20, 2026, as part of this groundbreaking initiative.
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