Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers have thrown their weight behind Australia’s bid to host the UNFCCC COP31 in 2026, declaring it a “Pacific COP” to push global action on climate change.
“We recall the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now.
“We reaffirm that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific and a critical barrier to achieving our Leaders’ Vision in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals globally. We call on all nations to urgently respond to the climate crisis,” the ministers said in a statement.
They underlined their “strong commitment” to host the historic summit in partnership with Australia, saying it would ensure Pacific priorities are heard at the highest level.
“We reaffirm the support of the Pacific Islands Forum for Australia’s bid for COP31 as a Pacific COP, and our strong commitment to host this historic international engagement in 2026 to accelerate global action,” the statement said.
The ministers pledged to advocate for vulnerable countries and press for urgent global efforts to keep warming within 1.5°C, while highlighting regional initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility.
“We commit to championing the needs of all countries impacted by climate change, particularly the most vulnerable, and to refocus global efforts on accelerating practical action in line with the Paris Agreement and the importance of keeping 1.5C within reach,” they said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations climate chief last month urged Australia and Turkey to resolve their long-running tussle over who will host next year’s COP31 summit, calling the delay unhelpful and unnecessary.
Australia and Turkey submitted bids to host the high-profile conference in 2022 and both countries have refused to concede to the other ever since.
The annual UN talks rotate through five regional groups. COP31’s host must be unanimously agreed upon by the 28 members of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG) bloc…
The COP31 issue is expected to be finalised at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November.
