Kiribati Women Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing says Pacific leaders are shifting from talk to action as the region prepares for the next global climate talks, warning the focus must be on real solutions for frontline communities.
Speaking after the Meeting of the Pacific Political Climate Champions, Kwansing said the region is aligning its strategy ahead of COP31.
“An important moment for our region as we transition from the lessons of COP30 in Brazil to the urgent preparations for COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye,” She said in a social media post.
She said her role as Political Champion for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion is driving a stronger regional push.
“As the Political Champion for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, this session was so helpful!”
Kwansing said leaders are working to sharpen the Pacific’s influence.
“We consolidated our regional leadership to ensure that the Pacific’s collective voice is ambitious. ”
She said engagement with key regional blocs is critical.
“We engaged directly with advisors from PSIDS and AOSIS to identify exactly how to maximise our impact.”
Kwansing said Kiribati is pushing to keep its priorities front and centre.
“For Kiribati, this was crucial opportunity to ensure that our unique challenges – particularly the intersection of gender justice and climate resilience – are at the forefront of the regional agenda leading into the Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu.”
She stressed the need to put people at the centre of climate action.
“We must position our people—especially our women and youth—as active agents of resilience strategies that will define our future!”
Kwansing said the region must move beyond rhetoric.
“To do so, we are preparing for COP31 with specific targets in mind, rather than repeating the same jargon that has dominated these halls for years! We must arrive with real, actionable solutions that solve problems at the frontlines and address the unique circumstances of the Pacific.”
She said the focus now is on delivering outcomes.
“I look forward to the work ahead as we carry the “ledger of survival” towards serious outcomes for our people,” Kwansing said.
