Brisbane, Australia – 20 March 2026 – Ministers and High-Level representatives from across the Pacific recently met in Brisbane to review the progress of work undertaken by the COP31 Pacific Senior Officials Taskforce and to provide strategic guidance on preparations leading into the Pre-COP events to be hosted in the region.
Through talanoa format, Ministers reaffirmed that COP31 must be one of implementation, emphasising the need to seize the opportunities from Pre-COP engagements to shape positions, build momentum, elevate Pacific priorities, and strengthen a unified Pacific voice through the Australia–Pacific Partnership in the lead-up to COP31.
In this regard, Ministers acknowledged the importance of ensuring that Pacific perspectives are effectively positioned within the formal processes of the UNFCCC, while continuing to draw strength from regional coordination and collaboration.
As discussions progressed, participants highlighted key regional priorities, including the need to advance practical approaches to maintaining the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach under current global conditions, and to enhance access to climate finance for Pacific Island countries.
Speaking on these points, Cook Islands Special Envoy for Climate Change, Mr Sonny Williams MP, said: “Maintaining the 1.5°C goal is critical for the Pacific, but how we pursue this must be practical and sustainable for our respective communities. While the Cook Islands continues to advocate for stronger climate action, it cannot come at the expense of additional strain towards our people – particularly for those in the Pa Enua. Our focus must continue be on delivering solutions that strengthen resilience while supporting livelihoods.
In parallel to these ambitions, a key priority for the Cook Islands has been to enhance access to climate finance that is predictable and responsive – particularly through more effective delivery systems that ensure accessible finance can be translated into practical outcomes at scale, in line with our current and emerging realities.”
Engagements between Climate Ministers and High-Level representatives have continued through informal discussions and networking opportunities beyond the meeting proper, as part of ongoing efforts to co-design the upcoming Pre-COP events in the region and to further strengthen Pacific coordination ahead of COP31.
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