PACIFIC LEADERS UNITE ON CLIMATE ACTION AHEAD OF COP31 IN TURKEY
By Lynnese O’Donoghue | 14 OCTOBER 2026
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
Pacific nations are preparing to take a united position on climate change to the United Nations COP31 summit in Turkey next month, demanding stronger action on rising global temperatures, easier access to climate funding and greater protection for vulnerable island communities.
Speaking with Ngaarda Radio Breakfast presenter Lynnese O'Donoghue, Pacific journalist Eddie Osifelo said the recent Pre-COP31 talks in Fiji had produced a significant agreement that would guide the region's negotiations.
The Pacific Pre-COP31 conference was held in Nadi, Fiji, from October 5 to 8, alongside a special leaders' event in Tuvalu.
More than 4,000 participants from over 100 countries attended the conference and associated events, bringing international attention to the growing impact of climate change across the Pacific.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
One of the most important outcomes was the adoption of the Taku Pakasoa Declaration on October 6, establishing a shared commitment to stronger international climate action.
Osifelo told Ngaarda Radio the agreement would allow Pacific nations and their international partners to approach COP31 with a united position.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
"They will go together in COP31 in Turkey," he said.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
"It means like they will go as unity under the declaration."
The declaration calls for accelerated emissions reductions to keep the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree temperature goal within reach, increased climate finance, stronger disaster preparedness and greater protection of the world's oceans.
It also recognises the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting land, coastlines and marine ecosystems.
Pacific PRECOP31 Attendees, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
CLIMATE FUNDING A MAJOR PRIORITY
A central focus of the Fiji talks was the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led fund designed to help island nations prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
Osifelo said Pacific countries were seeking greater financial support because they experience repeated climate-related disasters while facing significant difficulties accessing existing international funding mechanisms.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
He pointed to the complicated application processes associated with major international climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund.
New financial commitments were announced during the conference, including US$10 million from Fiji, US$2.3 million from Denmark and US$1.1 million from Solomon Islands, alongside additional European support.
However, the fund remains well below its fundraising ambitions.
For Pacific nations, the urgency is particularly clear in low-lying countries such as Tuvalu, where rising sea levels are already threatening homes, essential infrastructure and traditional ways of life.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
AUSTRALIA'S ROLE DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS
Australia will play a significant role at COP31 as President of Negotiations, working alongside Turkey, which will host the summit.
The arrangement gives Australia responsibility for leading international negotiations, including advancing Pacific climate priorities.
However, Osifelo said Australia's involvement had received mixed reactions from Pacific leaders because of its continuing fossil fuel exports.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
"There were mixed reaction towards Australia because of the fossil fuel," he told Ngaarda Radio.
Australia's position has attracted international scrutiny, with climate advocates questioning how the country can champion ambitious climate targets while continuing to support coal and gas production.
Despite those tensions, Australia is among the countries supporting the Taku Pakasoa Declaration, which calls for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
ALL EYES ON COP31
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, will take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.
Osifelo said Pacific countries would use the summit to push for the commitments outlined in the declaration, particularly keeping the 1.5-degree target within reach and securing practical financial assistance for disaster resilience.
Pacific PRECOP31, Photo Credit: Eddie Osifelo
He said Pacific nations wanted international leaders to move beyond agreements and deliver meaningful action.
Osifelo also confirmed to Ngaarda Radio that he intends to attend COP31, where he will follow how world leaders respond to the Pacific's demands.
While the Fiji meeting demonstrated a united approach to climate negotiations, the challenge now will be turning those commitments into funding, emissions reductions and practical protections for the region.
For Pacific island nations already experiencing the effects of climate change, the outcomes of COP31 could have far-reaching consequences for their environments, economies and future generations.
Eddie Osifelo spoke with Lynnese O'Donoghue on Ngaarda Radio Breakfast.