Eight Pacific political climate champions are emerging as significant figures as they prepare for COP30, emphasizing a blend of change and continuity on crucial issues such as Loss and Damage, Climate Finance, Gender and Social Inclusion, and more. The champions include politicians from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The team features strong leadership with two deputy leaders and two women ministers, marking a balanced representation.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, has taken on the mantle of championing Climate Finance, while Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, will focus on the Just Transition theme. Other champions include Niue’s Mona Ainu’u, who will address the Climate-Ocean nexus, and Kiribati’s Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing, who will lead on Gender and Social Inclusion. Bremity Lakjohn from RMI is set to lead discussions on Adaptation.
This combination of new faces and continuing leaders ensures a smooth transition and legacy for the Pacific political champions, a vital part of the region’s representation on the global climate stage. Following the assertions from COP29, the champions gathered to evaluate past experiences and strategize for the future less than a month before COP30, where high stakes await.
Baron Waqa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized the critical role of these champions in uniting Pacific priorities within the global climate narrative. He noted the need for strong political leadership in addressing the climate crisis, especially in a world where focus on climate change has fluctuated. Waqa remarked, “The Pacific Political Climate Champions is one initiative that can continue to be the bridge between the political advocacy and technical negotiations where required.”
As the Pacific region gears up for COP30 centrally scheduled for November 10-21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, there is a renewed sense of hope that these leaders will bring significant attention to the needs of vulnerable communities. Their unwavering commitment to collaborative action could inspire substantial global responses to climate change, fostering resilience and sustainability in the Pacific Islands amidst ongoing environmental challenges.
The evolving landscape of climate advocacy among Pacific leaders demonstrates a proactive approach that not only seeks to address immediate concerns but also enriches their role as leaders on the world stage. This spirit of unity and resilience reflects their determination to mitigate the effects of climate change while securing a prosperous future for their communities.