PACIFIC Islands Forum Leaders have endorsed Australia’s bid to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026, declaring it will be a “Pacific COP” to amplify the voices of vulnerable nations.
The announcement came at the 54th Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting in Honiara, where Leaders reaffirmed that climate change remains the single greatest threat to Pacific peoples’ livelihoods, security, and well-being. They said the crisis continues to undermine progress towards the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Recalling the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action, Leaders urged all nations to step up efforts to address the crisis.
“We commit to championing the needs of all countries impacted by climate change, particularly the most vulnerable, and to refocus global efforts on accelerating practical action and scaling up support in line with the Paris Agreement,” the Leaders said in their statement.
They also highlighted the importance of the Pacific Resilience Facility, describing it as a decisive step in strengthening the region’s ability to withstand the worsening impacts of climate change.
By backing COP31 in Australia, Leaders said the Pacific has a historic opportunity to shape international climate negotiations and push for stronger commitments to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.