The Pacific Islands Forum is taking proactive steps to assert its influence in the forthcoming COP negotiations by cultivating strategic partnerships and enhancing regional representation. With Australia set to host COP31, the Forum sees this as an opportunity to advocate for the Pacific’s climate priorities, particularly focusing on the climate-ocean nexus and transitions necessary to address these pressing issues. Detailed negotiation plans are anticipated to be established by early 2026.
Baron Waqa, the Forum’s Secretary General, expressed gratitude for Australia’s backing, stating that despite not hosting COP31 directly, the Forum is working closely with Australia to ensure that Pacific priorities are reflected in the event’s agenda. He highlighted the role of newly appointed Climate Champions, who will play a crucial part in increasing Pacific engagement in climate discussions leading up to the conference. “Success depends on early involvement in negotiations and coordinated advocacy efforts,” Waqa noted.
A key initiative underlining the Forum’s commitment to climate resilience is the Pacific Resilience Facility, which has now been signed by all member countries and is entering the ratification phase. This facility aims to mobilize climate finance specifically for community-level projects, providing essential investments that can significantly lower the vulnerabilities of Pacific communities to climate change and other hazards. Esala Nayasi, Deputy Secretary General of PIFS, outlined the facility’s ambition to grow its funding from an existing $167 million to a target of $1.5 billion in the medium term. The establishment of the facility in Palau, with an operational launch expected in 2026, is seen as a pivotal move in addressing the long-standing issue of limited access to climate finance for Pacific communities.
To ensure coordinated progress in economic development and climate resilience, the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum is aligning multiple regional strategies and partnerships. The implementation of the 2050 Strategy and related frameworks will evolve rapidly in 2026, focusing on resource and economic development that adheres to regional priorities.
Nayasi further explained that the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (2025-2030) will integrate with frameworks like the Blue Pacific Strategy to unify regional efforts. This collaborative approach is intended to minimize fragmentation and maximize the impact on shared economic objectives.
In light of global financial constraints, the Forum is also reevaluating partnership coordination to enhance engagement with development partners. Leaders have initiated a strategic review to improve collaboration and identify investment opportunities across the nine regional agencies. An updated 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan will direct targeted engagement with partners, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining momentum despite potential budgetary setbacks.
This expansive cooperative strategy reflects the Pacific Islands Forum’s commitment to resilience, sustainability, and proactive engagement on the global stage. With a focus on comprehensive strategies and partnerships, the Forum is poised to advocate effectively for the needs and priorities of Pacific communities as they navigate the challenges posed by climate change.