Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa has dismissed suggestions that the Forum’s latest communique is one of the least effective in its history, particularly due to the omission of a “climate crisis” declaration.
Critics argue that this could hinder the region’s efforts to secure much-needed climate financing, but Waqa insists that the issue remains a top priority for Pacific leaders.
“Accessing climate finance is incredibly difficult.
“Leaders acknowledge that every year in their meetings, and they did so again in Tonga. Climate change remains a critically important issue for the Pacific, and you will hear that emphasised again by our member countries at the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA),” Waqa told PACNEWS.
He emphasised that while the communique may not use the term “climate crisis,” the content reflects the seriousness with which Pacific leaders view the situation.
“This year, climate change was discussed extensively, particularly its effects, like sea level rise. Our leaders want to see sea level rise become a fixed agenda item at international forums like the UNGA.”
Critics of the communique argue that the failure to explicitly label the situation as a climate crisis could weaken the region’s negotiating position for climate financing. However, Waqa dismissed these concerns, pointing out that the Pacific’s track record on climate advocacy speaks for itself.
Waqa also highlighted an upcoming regional meeting with Australia as part of a joint bid to host COP31 in the Pacific.
“As you know, this is an initiative by Australia, which includes the Pacific in co-hosting COP31. We welcome that. The meeting is planned for the end of this month or early October, and it will be at the ministerial level,” he said.
While the full details of the meeting have not been finalised, Waqa expressed optimism that it would further solidify the Pacific’s role in global climate discussions.
