URGENT UPDATE: Pacific leaders are calling on Turkey to “clear the way” for the region to host COP31, the upcoming United Nations climate talks. Palauan President Surangel Whipps made this plea during the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, emphasizing that the Australia-Pacific co-bid has overwhelming global support and must not be overlooked.
“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,” Whipps stated. The leaders aim to bring this pivotal climate summit to Adelaide, with plans to collaborate closely with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming weeks.
This urgent request comes as Turkey, which recently lost its chance to host, insists on remaining in the running for the event. If both parties cannot reach an agreement, the summit could revert to Bonn, Germany, the headquarters of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The outcome of this decision is crucial, as Pacific island nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Whipps passionately argued, “We don’t want to let this major international opportunity slip by us.” The stakes are high not just for the leaders, but for communities whose livelihoods depend on climate action.
Amid these discussions, the Pacific Islands Forum focused on shared priorities and outcomes, with a high-level communique expected to outline their unified stance. Past forums have been marred by political maneuvering, notably at last year’s meeting in Tonga, where strategic wording was altered due to pressure from China. However, this year’s forum has seen less geostrategic tension, as Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele limited the participation of over two dozen dialogue partners, including China and the United States.
In a significant development, the Pacific Resilience Facility was formalized, aimed at increasing access to climate finance for vulnerable island communities facing rising sea levels. The emotional treaty signing, a decade in the making, reflected the urgent need for action in the region. Australian contributions of $100 million to the fund were noted, though some island states remain critical of Australia’s fossil fuel exports, with Vanuatu’s Climate Change Adaptation Minister Ralph Regenvanu suggesting they could breach international law.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the Pacific leaders and their ability to secure COP31 for their region. The world is watching, and the implications of this decision will resonate far beyond the conference halls. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
