THE Pacific Islands Forum is positioning itself to influence upcoming COP negotiations through strategic partnerships and strengthened regional representation.
Australia’s role in securing COP31 offers the Pacific a strong platform to push climate, ocean nexus, and transition priorities, with detailed negotiation plans expected early 2026.
Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa, expressed gratitude for Australia’s support despite the Pacific not hosting COP31 directly.
“The Forum is actively engaging with Australia to ensure Pacific priorities shape the COP31 agenda,’’ Waqa said.
“Climate Champions, newly appointed and active since COP30, will increase Pacific engagement in climate talks next year, and success depends on early involvement in negotiations and coordinated advocacy efforts.”
The Pacific Resilience Facility, now signed by all countries and entering the ratification process, aims to mobilise climate finance for community-level projects.
This facility, designed and endorsed by PIFS and Pacific Leaders, will provide the vital investments needed to significantly reduce Pacific communities’ vulnerability and exposure to climate change and other hazards.
“The facility seeks to grow from $USD167 million USD currently financed to a target of $USD1.5 billion in the medium term,” said Esala Nayasi, PIFS Deputy Secretary General
“Establishment in Palau has been decided by leaders, with operational launch expected in 2026.
“This funding mechanism directly supports climate adaptation and disaster resilience at the grassroots level, and it addresses the long-standing challenge of limited climate finance access for Pacific communities.”
Framework Implementation
The Secretariat is aligning multiple regional strategies and partnerships to ensure coordinated progress on economic development and resilience.
Implementation of the 2050 Strategy and related frameworks will accelerate in 2026, with a focus on resource and economic development aligned with regional priorities.
“The Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (2025-2030) integrates with frameworks like the Blue Pacific Strategy to unify efforts,” Nayasi said.
“The Civil Coordination Economic Department underpins economic development efforts with clear instruments and targets.
“Progress includes ratification steps for the Pacific Resilience Facility and policy alignment across the region, and this integrated approach reduces fragmentation and improves impact on shared economic goals.”
Partnership coordination is being reviewed to optimise engagement with development partners amid global financial constraints.
“Leaders have mandated a strategic review to map who is investing where and improve coordination across the nine regional agencies,” Nayasi added.
An updated 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan will guide targeted partner engagement and messaging.
“The plan aims to avoid duplication, maximise resource use, and strategically engage development actors at both sectoral and leadership levels, and this approach aims to maintain momentum despite reduced external funding availability.”