Pacific Islands Forum

Our Pacific Vision: a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion & prosperity so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy & productive lives.

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31

One Blue Pacific. One Shared Priority. Investing in Community Resilience.

USD 1.5 billion for a 1.5°C world.

Today at #COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and international partners come together to advance the region's shared priority of securing sustainable, accessible climate finance for Pacific communities.

Through the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), the Pacific is demonstrating its commitment to a Pacific-led, owned and managed financing solution that responds directly to community resilience needs.

This high-level engagement will showcase the PRF's progress, highlight early community impacts and strengthen partnerships towards its initial USD 500 million capitalisation target and long-term ambition of USD 1.5 billion.

📅 Thursday 12 November 2026
🕞 3.30pm – 5.00pm
📍 Meeting Room 4 – Kapadokya, COP31, Antalya
🔹 High-Level Event

The Pacific has a solution. Together, we must ensure it reaches the communities who need it most.

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31

The Pacific Political Climate Champions convened at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, for a briefing with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, to strengthen regional coordination and advance the Pacific’s collective priorities throughout the global climate negotiations.

The Political Champions play a critical role in elevating Pacific priorities through high-level political advocacy, engaging global leaders and building momentum for ambitious climate action and meaningful outcomes for the region.

Secretary General Waqa emphasised the importance of building on the foundations established at the Pacific Pre-COP in Fiji and maintaining a coordinated approach as COP31 enters a critical phase.

“Just last month, we met in Fiji on the margins of the Pacific Pre-COP, where we laid the foundations for our engagement and preparations for COP31. Today we meet again to build on that work, take stock of our priorities, and ensure that we are well positioned to engage effectively, collaboratively and strategically throughout COP31.

“We now enter a critical phase of negotiations and engagement. Our collective preparation and coordination will be essential to advancing Pacific priorities and securing meaningful outcomes for our region.” -SG Waqa.

More: https://t.co/ewcw6kGqIn

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #ClimateAction

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga Treaty) Consultative Committee Meeting convened yesterday at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji.

Chaired by New Zealand, Committee Members shared updates on regional nuclear issues and agreed on arrangements for the upcoming Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on 8 December and the commemoration of the Treaty’s 40th anniversary of its entry into force on 9 December 2026 at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

The meeting also heard an update from the Republic of the Marshall Islands as Chair of the CROP Taskforce on Nuclear Legacy Issues in the Pacific.

The 40th anniversary of the Treaty’s entry into force next month offers the Pacific region an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to regional peace and security, including through the engagement of the next generation of Pacific leaders under the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons – Pacific Edition (YLF Pacific) programme.

#OneBluePacific #PIF #rarotongatreaty #croptaskforce

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31
The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., was joined by Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion for the side event, “Pacific Voices, Pacific Priorities: Investing in a Renewables Future.”

The event also brought together Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Hon. Samira Nawa, as a panellist, providing an opportunity to and strengthen dialogue on investment in a renewable energy future for the region.

“As many in this room are aware, Palau made investment in a climate-safe future for the Blue Pacific a signature theme from our hosting of the 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting in early September. In doing so, Pacific Leaders joined hands in confirming a shared vision to achieve a 100% renewable energy future for the Blue Pacific, an ambitious aim to be the first region in the world to do so,” - H.E President Whipps.

Endorsed by Forum Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, the Belau Declaration for Urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C Within Reach reinforces the Pacific’s call for transition away from fossil fuels towards 100% renewable energy, highlighting the region’s commitment to ambitious climate action and a sustainable energy future.

Read the BELAU declaration here: https://t.co/EiKtcOAooC

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #JustTransition

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

That's a wrap on the #WTO #AidforTrade #GlobalReview of 2026!

A great two days in #Geneva, and particularly pleased to see such strong Pacific participation.
From trade #resilience and #climate action to #fisheries, #regionalism and opportunities for small businesses, Pacific representatives contributed to a wide range of discussions.

It was also great to see Pacific #businesses sharing their experiences, including #OTahitiPearlsSamoa and #NiueHoney.

Many thanks to all our Pacific speakers, colleagues and partners who contributed to the discussions and helped bring our region's perspectives to the table.

#AidForTrade #PacificIslands #WTO #TradeForDevelopment

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Under our Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII), more than 55 stakeholders from across Pacific Island countries joined virtually on 10 November 2026 for the workshop, “Shaping Pacific Standards: Engaging Industry in the Pacific,” facilitated with the support of @standardsaus .

The workshop explored how Quality Infrastructure can facilitate trade, improve product quality, and strengthen market access and competitiveness across the Pacific.

Discussions highlighted the role of the Pacific Islands Standards Committee (PISC) in advancing regional standards development and harmonisation, while emphasising the importance of greater industry and private-sector involvement in the standards development process.
The workshop also highlighted the need to promote greater awareness, understanding and application of standards by businesses, enabling them to improve product quality, enhance competitiveness and access new market opportunities.

These efforts contribute to the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy 2026–2030 (PAfTS) and the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

#pacificqualityinfrastructure #standardsaustralia #QualityInfrastructure #pacifictrade #PrivateSectorDevelopment #OneBluePacific #AidforTrade #RegionalCooperation

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31

The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, our home away from home at COP 31 in Antalya, Türkiye, was officially opened this week.

At the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion brings together our Pacific Leaders, negotiators, civil society, regional organisations and young people under one roof.

It is a space for the Blue Pacific family to unite, amplify Pacific-led solutions, share the lived realities and resilience of our communities, and hold the global community accountable for delivering meaningful climate action.

The Pacific has long been at the forefront of global climate advocacy, shaping the conversation and championing the call for urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach. As we gather at COP31, we carry that same spirit of solidarity, leadership and collective purpose ensuring the Pacific voice remains strong, united and heard.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #ClimateAction

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Pacific Islands Forum Acting Secretary General Esala Nayasi met with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Director for Asia Pacific, Mr Mark Gooding, at the Forum Secretariat today.

Their discussions reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the Forum and the United Kingdom and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of shared priority, including climate resilience and finance, economic resilience, the Pacific Resilience Facility, and regional and maritime security.

Acting Secretary General Nayasi welcomed the UK’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership and working alongside Forum Members to advance Pacific priorities, both within the region and internationally.

Mr Gooding was accompanied by the UK Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Steph Lysaght.

#OneBluePacific #PIF #pacificresiliencefacility #ukinfiji

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31

Media Release: Pacific Urges the World to Turn Climate Commitments into Action

Antalya, Türkiye: The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is reaffirming its longstanding climate leadership at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), held from 9–20 November 2026.

The Forum is calling for greater global ambition and a decisive shift from commitments to action, supported by the resources, implementation, and accountability needed to deliver results.

The President of Palau and Pacific Islands Forum Chair, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., says that the Pacific arrives in Antalya with a clear mandate from Forum Leaders, set out in the Belau Declaration, and with Pacific-led solutions ready to scale.

Read full media release here: https://t.co/ewcw6kGqIn

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Legal Counsel Holly Matley participated in the Asia-Pacific launch of the Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change, developed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness.

She welcomed the Recommendations’ recognition of growing international support for the continuity of statehood and the attention given to climate mobility.
In her remarks, she highlighted global Pacific leadership in addressing the legal implications of climate change-related sea-level rise.

She emphasised that statelessness is not an inevitable consequence of climate change, and that continuity of statehood, retention of nationality and protection of persons are critical to safeguarding the identity, rights and dignity of Pacific peoples.

#OneBluePacific #ClimateMobility #continuityofstatehood #ClimateJustice

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

20 Days to Go | Pacific E-commerce Symposium 2026

E-commerce is enabled by businesses. From B2B and B2C transactions, businesses drive innovation, trade, and economic activity across the region.

This is why the Symposium will host a Business Exhibition to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Pacific businesses. It is an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and discover innovative products and digital solutions that are shaping e-commerce across the Blue Pacific.

The Exhibition also contributes to the Resources and Economic Development (RED) agenda of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by promoting entrepreneurship, digital trade and private sector-led economic growth across the region.

#pacificecommercesymposium2026 #2050bluepacificstrategy #PacificEcommerceInitiative #partnership #AidforTrade #pacifictrade #ecommerce

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., and the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Chair’s high-level mission to the Gulf.

The discussions focused on key Pacific priorities and opportunities to strengthen cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, and climate action. The Pacific Leaders highlighted the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) as the region’s flagship, Pacific-owned financing mechanism to strengthen community resilience and protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

H.E Whipps and Lord Fakafanua will now travel to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where they will continue to champion Pacific priorities including the PRF and advocate for stronger global climate action and meaningful outcomes for the region.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PRF

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31
Alii, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Talofa, Halo Olgeta and Bula from Antalya!

Day One of the 31st annual United Nations (UN) climate change meeting (COP31) begins today in Antalya, Türkiye, and the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion opened in the true spirit of the Pacific Way with prayers, reflection and a shared sense of purpose.

The service was led by Rev. Charissa Suli, President of the United Church in Australia, bringing together the Pacific family in faith, solidarity and hope as we begin this important global climate gathering.

As the Pacific comes together at #COP31, our collective strength lies in our shared values, unity and unwavering commitment to our people and future generations.

The Blue Pacific has long stood at the forefront of climate leadership, and we continue to carry our priorities with purpose, conviction and one united voice grounded in our lived realities and driven by the future we seek for our region.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #climateaction #PacificLeadership

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

#COP31

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) takes place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026.

As the Pacific and the global community come together for this critical climate conference, we share a message from our Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, on the region’s priorities and call for meaningful global climate action.

“At COP 31 our Leaders, civil society representatives, and young people, will carry the lived realities, aspirations, and priorities of our Blue Pacific, to the global decision-making table.
Listen to our people. Honour our collective commitments. Deliver the action that a safer, more resilient future demands” - SG Waqa.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #ClimateAction

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 5 November as part of the PIF Chair’s high-level mission to the UAE.

The PIF Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, and the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), Finau Soqo, accompanied President Whipps during the meeting.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, advancing key Pacific regional priorities ahead of COP31, and opportunities to deepen collaboration on climate finance, including support for the PRF.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #PRF

Read more: https://t.co/4f1K0GTeQY

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project convened its third Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in a hybrid format on 5 November 2026, bringing together more than 35 participants, including senior finance officials from participating Pacific Island countries, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the World Bank Group.

The PSC, comprising Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Ministries of Finance from the eight participating Pacific Island countries, provides strategic oversight and guidance to the Project.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs Koin Uriam Kiritione, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development of Kiribati, who underscored the importance of correspondent banking as “fundamental to our economic security.”

The Committee unanimously endorsed the Project's 2027 Annual Work Plan, Budget and Procurement Plan, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional financial resilience and advancing project implementation.

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About the CBR Project:
The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project is a World Bank-financed regional initiative implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat across eight participating Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Project aims to safeguard access to correspondent banking services, strengthen the regulatory and institutional environment, and support sustainable solutions to ensure Pacific economies remain connected to the global financial system.

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., met with Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development.

Discussions highlighted the UAE’s investment capacity and expertise in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and water security as areas of strong potential for practical cooperation with the Pacific.

Ahead of COP31, discussions also highlighted the Pacific’s priority to advance the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) the first Pacific-led and Pacific-owned regional financing facility dedicated to strengthening the resilience of Pacific communities.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PacificResilienceFacility

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

Media Release: Pacific Islands Forum Chair Leads Mission To Strengthen Forum-UAE Cooperation.

5 November 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE: A high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking place this week to advance cooperation on climate resilience, investment and sustainable development.

His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, accompanied by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, is leading the delegation. UAE Minister of State, H.E. Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, received His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., on 4 November in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of the Mission.

Read the full media release here: https://t.co/4f1K0GTMGw

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism

[Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC]

The second online training session of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) Pacific Edition, Inspiring Voices from the Pacific: What Young People Can Do, was held on 29 October 2026, co-hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).

Moderated by PIFS, the session focused on the voices, leadership and agency of young people in the Pacific, and how they are engaging with nuclear disarmament today. Participants discussed practical actions young people can take in their own communities.

The YLF Pacific Edition is part of the activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the Rarotonga Treaty this year.

#OneBluePacific #PIF #YLFPacific #NuclearFreePacific #RarotongaTreaty