Acting Forum Secretary General, Esala Nayasi, opened the Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Ministerial Talanoa in Nadi on Tuesday with a strong call for unity and collective action in the face of escalating climate challenges.
The gathering brought together climate ministers from across the Pacific, along with representatives from Australia and New Zealand, to strategise for upcoming global climate negotiations, including COP29 this year and COP31 in 2026.
“Today’s ministerial talanoa is one of the three convenings we have for this week which brings together climate change ministers from Pacific Island Countries, Australia and New Zealand to discuss important issues concerning the COP 31 Presidency and our partnership as we advance our candidacy,” Nayasi told Ministers.
The meeting takes place at a critical ime, with the Pacific region continuing to bear the brunt of climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation.
He acknowledged the crucial timing of the meeting, noting the discussions will help strategise for COP29 later this year, laying the groundwork for a future Pacific-led COP.
“I realise that there’s been a number of discussions about the COP31 arrangements in different spaces including at our Leaders meeting, but today provides a unique opportunity for members to share your different views that will shape what the Pacific COP will look like as we continue to lobby for international support,” he said.
Nayasi expressed appreciation for Australia’s critical role in supporting the ministerial talanoa and in fostering closer regional cooperation on climate action.
“This discussions will also help us strategise for COP29 this year given the priorities we have as a region which will lay the groundwork for COP31. You will find that we also have an opportunity to discuss COP29 priorities,” he said.
He thanked Australia for its efforts to ensure the dialogue took place and highlighted its commitment to working alongside the Pacific on climate priorities.
“In saying this, let me take this opportunity to thank Australia for its support and understanding in enabling this ministerial talanoa to take place and for its efforts to bring the Pacific together through this important COP platform.
The Talanoa sets the stage for Pacific leadership on the global climate platform, with regional voices determined to make their mark at COP31.
Nayasi also took a moment to recognise the significance of the day for two Forum member countries Tuvalu and Palau as both celebrated their independence anniversaries on Tuesday.
“Let me remind us that today is also an important day for two of our member countries, with their independence anniversaries falling on this day—Tuvalu marking 46 years and Palau celebrating 30 years. I take this opportunity on all our behalf to congratulate them on these important milestones,” Nayasi said, offering warm congratulations to both nations
Following Nayasi’s remarks, the day’s agenda included key addresses from Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, and Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change, John Salong, who currently chairs the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS).
Director General Sefanaia Nawadra of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) also provided updates on behalf of the One-CROP team, which coordinates regional efforts on climate action.
