The Pacific Islands Forum is actively enhancing its influence in the upcoming COP negotiations by building strategic partnerships and improving regional representation. With Australia set to host COP31, the Forum views this event as a pivotal opportunity to highlight the Pacific’s climate priorities, particularly the vital connection between climate change and ocean health. Key negotiation plans are expected to be laid out by early 2026.
Baron Waqa, the Secretary General of the Forum, expressed appreciation for Australia’s support. He emphasized that while Australia will host COP31, the Forum is committed to collaborating closely to ensure the Pacific’s concerns are adequately represented in the conference agenda. He noted the importance of newly appointed Climate Champions, who are essential for amplifying Pacific involvement in climate discussions leading up to the conference. “Success depends on early involvement in negotiations and coordinated advocacy efforts,” Waqa commented.
An important aspect of the Forum’s dedication to climate resilience is the recently agreed-upon Pacific Resilience Facility, which all member countries have signed, entering the ratification phase. This facility aims to mobilize climate finance for community-level initiatives, addressing vulnerabilities faced by Pacific communities due to climate change. Esala Nayasi, the Deputy Secretary General of the PIFS, articulated the facility’s goal to escalate funding from its current $167 million to $1.5 billion in the medium term, with plans for the operational launch in Palau by 2026. This initiative is seen as a crucial step toward improving access to climate finance for Pacific communities facing ongoing challenges.
To guarantee cohesive advancement in both economic development and climate resilience, the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum is synchronizing several regional strategies and partnerships. The implementation of the 2050 Strategy and its related frameworks is on track to accelerate in 2026, emphasizing resource utilization and economic development aligned with regional priorities.
Nayasi elaborated on how the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (2025-2030) will work in tandem with frameworks such as the Blue Pacific Strategy to consolidate regional efforts. This united approach aims to reduce fragmentation and enhance the effectiveness of shared economic goals.
In response to global financial constraints, the Forum is reassessing its partnership strategies to foster better collaboration with development partners. Leaders have initiated a strategic review to optimize cooperation and explore investment opportunities across nine regional agencies. An updated 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan is set to direct focused engagement with partners, ensuring resources are utilized effectively while maintaining progress despite potential budgetary challenges.
This comprehensive and collaborative strategy underscores the Pacific Islands Forum’s dedication to resilience, sustainability, and active participation on the international stage. It positions the Forum to advocate effectively for the needs and priorities of Pacific communities as they confront the pressing challenges of climate change. The proactive steps taken now are hopeful signals of the Forum’s commitment to fostering a resilient future for the Pacific Islands.