URGENT UPDATE: The incoming chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Palauan President Surangel Whipps, is calling on Turkey to “clear the way” for the Pacific region to host the next United Nations climate talks, known as COP31. This announcement comes as leaders gather for the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, where a united push is being made for the conference to take place in Adelaide, Australia.
Whipps emphasized the critical importance of this opportunity, stating, “We deserve to host COP31, and given the breadth and depth of support, it would be seen as an act of good faith if others would clear the way.” The stakes are high, as failure to secure hosting rights could mean the summit defaults to Bonn, Germany, the headquarters of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In recent discussions, Whipps reaffirmed that Pacific island nations are committed to working closely with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming weeks to solidify their bid. Despite Turkey’s efforts to remain in contention after previously missing out on hosting rights, Pacific leaders are adamant that such a pivotal climate summit must occur in a region deeply affected by climate change.
The implications of this decision extend beyond logistics; hosting COP31 would not only highlight the vulnerabilities faced by Pacific island nations but also attract international attention and support for climate initiatives. “We don’t want to let this major international opportunity slip by us,” Whipps added, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As leaders finalize their priorities at the forum, the potential for geostrategic tensions looms. In a notable shift, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands has barred more than two dozen dialogue partners, including China and the United States, from formal meetings, aiming to reshape the regional discourse on climate resilience.
The Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to provide accessible climate finance for vulnerable island communities, also gained traction during this forum, with a treaty signing that has been a decade in the making. This emotional event saw Albanese change from a pink shirt to blue attire, symbolizing unity among regional leaders.
Despite Australia’s commitment of $100 million to this fund, the nation’s climate actions, particularly regarding fossil fuel exports, face scrutiny. Vanuatu’s Climate Change Adaptation Minister Ralph Regenvanu has criticized these exports as a potential breach of international law, complicating Australia’s role in the climate dialogue.
As the discussions unfold, the international community is closely watching the developments at the Pacific Islands Forum. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for global climate policy and the future of COP31.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and join the conversation on social media to amplify the urgent need for climate action in the Pacific.
