Forum Chair representative and Solomon Islands Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Wayne Ghemu has called on Pacific countries to maintain a united front on climate action as the region prepares for a series of key international meetings ahead of COP31.
Opening the sixth Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney Tuesday, which he co-chaired with Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Ghemu thanked Australia for hosting the meeting.
“Since this will be my first time to Co-Chair this Ministerial Talanoa alongside Minister Bowen, allow me to personally express my sincere thank you, Minister Bowen, for your Leadership and to the Government and people of Australia for the warm welcome and for hosting us in your country.”
He also thanked Pacific ministers, the COP31 Senior Officials Taskforce and the Secretariat for advancing work under the Pacific Partnership.
Ghemu said Pacific countries faced mounting global pressures but climate change remained the region’s greatest challenge.
“We gather at a time of significant global pressures that continue to challenge our economic and development aspirations.
“As we carefully manage our way through these difficult times, we must be reminded of the existential threat that climate change continues to pose on our people and communities,” he said.
He said regional cooperation was becoming even more important as the international system faced increasing challenges.
“As the international system becomes increasingly fragmented and the effectiveness of multilateral institutions is tested, the Pacific must continue to demonstrate that regionalism remains one of our greatest strengths. While global consensus may at times falter, our collective resolve must not.”
“Through the Pacific Islands Forum and the COP31 Pacific Partnership, we have shown that when we speak with one voice, we amplify our influence, strengthen our negotiating position and present solutions that are greater than the sum of our individual efforts.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, our regional solidarity is not simply a matter of convenience, it is a strategic necessity,” Minister Ghemu stressed.
Ghemu said regional action must continue to reflect national priorities.
“Our regional agenda must, however, always remain grounded in national priorities.
The strength of our collective voice is derived from the aspirations and needs of our individual countries and communities,” he said.
He noted there were fewer than 100 days before the Pre-COP meeting and other major events, including the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, the United Nations General Assembly and COP31.
“We have less than a hundred days to the Pre-COP and other key events that will be crucial to advance our shared priorities, including the PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, the UNGA and of course COP31.
We must ensure that we make the most of every space of influence we can get to advance the endorsed priorities under the Pacific Partnership – be it as a collective or through our bilateral engagements with our other partners,” he emphasised.
Ghemu also called for greater participation by communities, civil society and young people.
“I want to also iterate the critical importance of bringing together our vulnerable communities, civil society and young people along with us on this journey.
Addressing the climate crisis should not be confined to a select few. Where we can garner support and forge genuine partnerships, let us do so with intent and a determination to influence change,” he said.
He urged ministers to use the meeting to advance the work mandated by Pacific leaders.
