By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have endorsed a new declaration calling for urgent and inclusive climate action to keep the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach, warning that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the security, livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
The leaders used their 55th Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau to step up pressure for stronger global climate action ahead of COP31, while also calling for faster access to climate finance, a transition away from fossil fuels and increased investment in renewable energy.
Leaders endorsed the BELAU Declaration for urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C within reach, reaffirming their collective commitment to the Paris Agreement temperature goal.
The declaration calls for urgent climate action, greater recognition of the ocean-climate nexus, accelerated action to transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy and improved access to climate finance for Pacific Island countries.
Leaders stressed the need to prioritise climate mitigation and said the Pacific’s ocean and forests were essential global carbon sinks.
The Forum also noted that Tuvalu will host the second International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in April 2027.
Leaders reaffirmed their support for the continued implementation of the COP31 Pacific Partnership and the work of Pacific COP31 Envoys.
The regional climate push will focus on four key priorities: keeping 1.5°C within reach, improving access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate nexus and strengthening Pacific voices and leadership.
Leaders said a focused, high-level declaration from the Pacific Pre-COP31 Leaders Meeting would be important in building political momentum towards COP31.
They also recognised the opportunity presented by Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia hosting the Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings to advance recognition of the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Forum leaders also endorsed the *Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action*, recognising the leadership of Pacific women in driving climate action.
The pact is the region’s political commitment to support and accelerate implementation of the Belém Gender Action Plan in the Pacific.
Leaders said the agreement would support gender-responsive climate action, financing and implementation across the region.
The leaders again identified access to climate finance as a major regional priority.
They continued to recognise the Green Climate Fund as a key climate partner and called for an adequate and timely third replenishment.
Leaders also called for improved access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States and stronger engagement with regional financing mechanisms, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, to meet the region’s climate needs.
The Forum leaders also called for increased investment in renewable energy across the Blue Pacific as countries seek to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
They approved the Terms of Reference for a new Renewable Energy Commissioner and supported placing the position within the Pacific Community, with dual reporting arrangements to the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The arrangement reflects the regional mandate of the new role and is aimed at strengthening regional coordination and practical investment partnerships.
Leaders commended Vanuatu for its leadership in securing the adoption of the historic United Nations General Assembly resolution welcoming the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change.
They reaffirmed the importance of continued Pacific advocacy to protect the rights, interests, sovereignty and future of Pacific peoples facing climate change and sea-level rise.
Leaders also noted the increased likelihood of a strong El Niño event and called for stronger regional preparedness, particularly for water security, drought and other extreme weather impacts.
They recognised the role of Pacific-owned initiatives, including the Pacific Resilience Facility and Weather Ready Pacific, in strengthening forecasting, early warning systems and anticipatory action.
Leaders also called for a comprehensive multi-hazard approach to resilience and disaster risk management, noting that earthquakes, volcanic activity and tsunamis continue to pose major risks across the region.
They said geohazards should be more strongly integrated into regional early warning systems, preparedness frameworks and resilience financing arrangements.
The communiqué also noted the deployment of the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative to support Forum members in implementing the Pacific Regional Framework for Climate Mobility.
The initiative is intended to provide knowledge and data to inform national policies and planning, translate regional commitments into practical national action and strengthen readiness to access international climate finance to address climate mobility.
The decisions from Palau send a clear message ahead of COP31: Pacific leaders are demanding stronger global action to keep 1.5°C alive while pressing for more accessible climate finance and faster investment in the region’s transition to renewable energy.
