by Georgina Maka’a
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders said climate change remains the biggest threat to the safety and lives of Pacific people.
They stressed that the world must act quickly, using the best scientific information available to address the problem.
The statement came during the PIF Leaders Summit in Palau, where leaders endorsed the continued implementation of the COP31 Pacific Partnership and the work of the Pacific COP31 Envoys in advancing regional priorities.
According to the Summit communiqué, these priorities span key strategic pillars: keeping the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach, enhancing access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate nexus, and amplifying Pacific voices and leadership on the global stage.
Leaders noted the importance of a focused, high-level declaration from the upcoming Pacific Pre-COP31 Leaders Meeting to build political momentum toward COP31.
They also recognised the unique opportunity presented by Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia hosting the Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings.
These gatherings offer a chance to acknowledge the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries, and to reaffirm the region’s collective resolve for ambitious climate action.
However, in a significant development, leaders welcomed and endorsed the Belau Declaration for Urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C Within Reach.
Through the declaration, they reaffirmed their collective commitment to the Paris Agreement temperature goal and strengthening international action on climate change.
The declaration reiterates the importance of urgent climate action, greater recognition of the ocean-climate nexus, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels toward a renewable energy future, and improving access to climate finance for Pacific Island countries.
In line with this, leaders stressed the need to prioritise climate mitigation and recognised that the region’s ocean and forests serve as essential global carbon sinks.
Leaders also pointed out Tuvalu’s hosting of the 2nd International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in April 2027.
