As the global community focuses on Brazil for COP30, civil society organizations in the Pacific are gathering in Sydney for a three-week initiative that addresses the intersections of human rights and climate change. This event is organized by the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organisations (PIANGO), and it anticipates the forthcoming COP31, which Australia is set to host in partnership with its Pacific neighbors in 2026.
DTP Executive Director Patrick Earle kicked off the program, highlighting the critical timing of this gathering as crucial climate negotiations unfold in Brazil. He stressed the importance of amplifying Pacific voices to ensure they have a meaningful impact on the outcomes at COP31. Earle expressed optimism that COP31 can be authentically led by the Pacific, addressing the specific needs and priorities of the region.
During the discussions, Earle raised concerns about Australia’s ongoing fossil fuel extraction activities, questioning the country’s suitability as the host for COP31. Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the potential of a Pacific COP in Australia to foster advocacy opportunities and form valuable partnerships while reinforcing the moral authority of Pacific communities in the face of climate change.
Melaia Kubuabola from PIANGO underlined the significance of this partnership, emphasizing the need to enhance the skills and networks required for Pacific civil society to effectively influence policy-making. She affirmed that the collaboration with DTP goes beyond capacity building; it aims to mobilize movements, ensuring that Pacific voices remain central in global climate discourse as their communities confront severe climate threats.
Initiated with funding from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australia Awards Fellowship, the program brings together 15 participants from seven different Pacific nations. Over the next few weeks, these participants will enhance their advocacy capabilities, forge connections with Australian institutions, and ensure that the Pacific perspective is prioritized leading into COP31.
This regional engagement is particularly significant as the Pacific Islands Forum has recently endorsed Australia’s proposal to co-host COP31, framing it as a “Pacific COP.” Forum ministers have underscored that climate change represents the most pressing threat to the livelihoods and security of Pacific peoples, stressing the importance of prioritizing the region’s concerns in international climate decision-making.
The collective efforts surrounding COP31 signify a positive movement towards a Pacific-led strategy for climate action. As discussions develop, there is hope that this engagement will yield meaningful results that align with the urgent needs of Pacific communities, who are already bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. The focus on advocacy, skill enhancement, and networking could foster significant regional influence in molding global climate policies.