The Pacific region is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming climate negotiations as the United Nations prepares for COP31. United Nations Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener emphasized the necessity for the next Conference of the Parties to yield stronger commitments to global climate action, particularly in light of the unique risks faced by communities throughout the Pacific.
Wagener expressed that the United Nations is dedicated to assisting Pacific nations in translating global commitments into tangible actions that lead to measurable impacts. Central to this initiative is the recently established United Nations Pacific SDG Acceleration Pooled Fund, which aims to facilitate faster progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through collaborative investments, focusing on data and digital solutions.
Last year, the United Nations collaborated closely with governments, communities, and regional organizations to enhance climate resilience and foster regional cooperation within the Pacific. This collaboration encompassed a variety of critical areas, including disaster response, peacebuilding, human rights, gender equality, and the enhancement of health and education services.
A significant milestone in this journey was the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion concerning the obligations of states in relation to climate change. This opinion was a landmark moment for the Pacific, affirming that climate action constitutes a legal responsibility under international law, with real consequences for nations that fail to fulfill their obligations.
Wagener noted that for the Pacific Small Island Developing States, the Advisory Opinion fortifies the region’s call for climate justice while reinforcing demands for increased ambition and stronger support across climate finance, technology, and capacity-building efforts.
He remarked that it is crucial to maintain this momentum, ensuring that every island can thrive, every voice is included, and that the Blue Pacific continues to embody resilience, hope, and collective progress. The outlook is optimistic as the Pacific moves forward, ready to take a stand in global climate discussions.