Pacific island nations are resolutely preparing to elevate their voices and priorities at the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30), set to take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. Despite facing substantial logistical challenges such as soaring accommodation costs and expensive airfare, regional leaders are intent on ensuring their presence is felt at the conference.
Xavier Matsutaro, National Climate Change Coordinator for Palau, has expressed his concerns regarding the logistical barriers. He stated, “It has been really difficult; it seems like the COP30 Presidency doesn’t really have a clear North Star of what they want… But it’s not going to stop us.” Matsutaro underscored the importance of the Pacific delegation’s representation in conversations regarding climate issues, particularly with the pressing challenges the region faces.
In a pre-COP30 meeting held in Samoa, Matsutaro highlighted the urgent need for advocacy to keep global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius. He pointed out the alarming rise in the frequency of tropical cyclones impacting the Pacific islands, adding, “We are seeing things happening and this is why this work matters.” Many communities are currently dealing with severe inundation cycles, leaving them at risk without adequate options for relocation.
This conference will serve as a continuation of the Pacific’s active role in global climate discussions, building upon the debriefs from COP29. Key figures such as Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, have echoed the pressing need for financial assistance to address climate repercussions, with a unified stance among leaders that the Pacific “cannot afford to be ignored any longer.” They are calling for accountability from major polluters, emphasizing that the region is facing the repercussions of a crisis it did not initiate.
Historically, participation rates at COP meetings have steadily increased; for instance, COP21 in 2015 witnessed around 30,000 attendees, highlighting the growing urgency surrounding climate discussions. Matsutaro reaffirmed that the collective voice of Pacific nations is critical, bolstering their moral authority in international negotiations.
The upcoming COP30 is anticipated not only as a venue for advocacy but also as a chance to pursue resolutions that deliver immediate support to the Pacific’s most vulnerable communities. Matsutaro conveyed an optimistic perspective despite the hardships: “Things have been difficult but we’ve got to keep going… There’s no room for pessimism, the only room that’s there is hope, perseverance, and persistence.”
This spirit of resilience and solidarity resonates throughout the Pacific Islands Forum and among broader leadership advocating for climate justice. With COP30 on the horizon, there is a hopeful potential for galvanizing necessary global action, serving as a beacon for vulnerable Pacific communities striving for funding, climate adaptation solutions, and long-term sustainability in the face of ongoing climate challenges.