THE Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is calling on world leaders to turn climate commitments into concrete action, as the region takes its priorities to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
COP31, taking place from November 9 to 20, brings together world leaders to discuss stronger climate commitments, improved access to climate finance and greater accountability in tackling climate change.
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says the region arrives at the conference with a clear mandate from Forum Leaders, outlined in the Belau Declaration, and Pacific-led solutions ready for implementation.
“Our islands cannot afford another decade of promises. Every year of delay is measured in our coastlines, our reefs and our homes,” Whipps says.
He says Forum Leaders agreed at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau that Pacific leadership must be demonstrated through action.
“The International Court of Justice has confirmed that climate obligations are binding. COP31 must be where commitments become delivery,” he says.
Whipps says the Pacific has already developed regional solutions, including the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-owned and treaty-backed financing mechanism designed to deliver resources directly to communities.
However, the facility remains more than USD $300 million short of its first funding target, with Whipps calling on development partners to help close the gap at COP31.
“Antalya is where our partners can close that gap. We come united, and we ask the world to meet us with action,” he says.
The Pacific’s climate position is underpinned by regional commitments, including the 2019 Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now, endorsed at the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tuvalu.
This was followed by the Belau Declaration for Urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C Within Reach, endorsed at the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Both declarations reinforce the region’s calls for urgent global emissions reductions, stronger ocean protection and accessible climate financing.
These priorities were also advanced through Pre-COP meetings hosted in Fiji and Tuvalu in October and remain central to the Pacific’s engagement at COP31.
The Forum says securing predictable and adequate climate finance, strengthening ocean and community resilience, and driving ambitious global emissions reductions remain key priorities.
It also emphasises the importance of international partnerships in translating regional commitments into Pacific-led solutions, including fully capitalising the PRF.
The Pacific Islands Forum will continue to advance a united regional position throughout COP31, with the Pacific Political Climate Champions working to amplify the region’s collective voice and build momentum for meaningful climate action.
The Forum says these efforts aim to safeguard the Blue Pacific Continent and future generations.
