Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has advocated for a dedicated climate summit for the Pacific region, aligning it with Australia’s bid to host COP31. Speaking at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Ardern stated, “I feel deeply, as do many in this room, that it is time for a Pacific COP,” urging the need for focused discussions on climate issues pertinent to the Pacific Islands.
Acknowledging the complexities of securing hosting rights, Ardern, who serves as the Special Envoy for Oceania, expressed her commitment to collaborating with both Australia and Pacific nations. She remarked, “Australia, in partnership with the Pacific, has put forth a compelling proposal for COP31,” highlighting the initiative’s strong support within the COP community.
Ardern emphasized the importance of advocating for the Pacific’s climate needs, calling for local innovations to be showcased during discussions. She pointed out the necessity for Pacific nations to engage in global conversations without the burden of extensive travel due to their unique perspectives and immediate challenges.
Reflecting on her time at COP30, Ardern described the experience as inspiring yet humbling, recognizing the power of the Pacific voice while noting that there is still much work to be done. “It’s incredibly humbling and inspiring to see the strength of the Pacific voice…but on the other side, so much more needs to be done,” she articulated.
Support for the Pacific’s climate agenda was echoed by Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, who called COP30 a critical moment for global climate finance. He stressed the need for a collective climate finance goal and enhanced recognition of the struggles faced by small island developing states. Bulitavu urged that future decisions must include the voices of those most affected by climate change.
Throughout COP30, Ardern has engaged with Pacific youth and leaders, all committed to maintaining the 1.5-degree climate target. This collective effort aims to ensure that the Pacific’s concerns are amplified in international climate discussions.
As the lead-up to COP31 unfolds, there is an urgent call for the international community to take meaningful action against climate change, with the anticipation that strong support from Pacific leaders will drive significant outcomes. The hope is for the Pacific voices to pave the way in climate action initiatives, showcasing innovation and collaboration as vital components in tackling the challenges posed by climate change.