The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the Pacific Island Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), and the Community Council for Australia are disheartened by the announcement that Australia will not co-host the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026, in partnership with Pacific Island nations.

Despite this outcome, COP31 remains a critical opportunity for Australia particularly given Minister Bowen’s role as President of Negotiations. This along with the commitment to a Pacific hosted ‘Pre-COP’ meeting enables Australia to maintain engagement in the region and work with Pacific leaders to advance ambitious and inclusive climate action on the global stage.

The Pacific region faces some of the most severe and immediate impacts of climate change, including rising seas, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity. These are not distant issues but daily realities for millions of people. The region also currently experiences an annual financing shortfall of at least $1 billion to adequately respond and adapt to climate change.

Ahead of COP31, civil society organisations from across Australia and the Pacific have already stepped up their cooperation to further key climate objectives. There is a need to sustain this momentum.

ACFID, PIANGO and CCA call on the Australian Government to do all it can to ensure that Pacific voices steer negotiations.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, CEO, Australian Council for International Development:

“Australia not hosting COP31 is a disappointing outcome—not only for Australia, but for Pacific Island nations who deserve a central voice in these negotiations. There remains a vital role for the Australian government to do its part to ensure Pacific voices are directly involved in the negotiations.

“Climate leadership has never been defined by hosting a global conference. Irrespective of the location, Australia has an opportunity to show genuine leadership on climate action – right now. To cement its leadership on climate action, Australia could commit to phased transition away from fossil fuels, pledge $11 billion towards the new global climate goals, and launch a targeted new program for climate adaptation and mitigation in the Pacific through its aid program.  Australia can demonstrate that bold, values-driven action matters more than hosting privileges.”

“With Australia no longer bearing the significant cost of hosting COP31 it creates an opportunity for the government to redirect those funds into programs that deliver tangible climate outcomes. Let’s invest in real climate action.”

“To date, Australia has struggled to align its climate rhetoric with meaningful action. The Government has failed to heed Pacific calls to end fossil fuels or pursue domestic ambitions that reflect the existential threat climate change poses to their future. This is the right time to match words to action.”

Quotes attributable to Emeline Siale Ilolhalia, Executive Director, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO):

“The joint bid for COP31 by Australia and the Pacific had promised shared leadership with significant potential for engaging Pacific Civil Society beyond mere participation.”

“Though the failure of Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is a setback for the region, the planned partnership between our governments and civil society to pursue climate action for transformative impact for our people must be sustained.”

Quotes attributable to David Crosbie, CEO, Community Council for Australia (CCA):

“Right now, communities in the Pacific and in Australia are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change. It is changing our lives, our communities, our economies, and our future.”

“Despite this outcome, Australia must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pacific communities to take a leading global role in efforts to curb climate change.”

“Putting community at the centre of COP31 is a step toward securing the future we want on a warming planet. A COP31 that works with civil society and embraces a whole-of-society approach to engagement about climate change and a resilient future is our chance to deliver real change for people, the climate and nature.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at [email protected] or call 0401 721 064.