Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and COP31 President of Negotiations, Chris Bowen, has assured Pacific nations that oceans will receive greater prominence in discussions and negotiations during the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at the opening of the Moana Pacific Pavilion in the Blue Zone at the COP31 Expo Venue on Monday, Minister Bowen acknowledged that oceans, despite being the world’s largest climate regulator, have not received sufficient attention at previous climate conferences.
“That changes here at COP31,” Mr Bowen said.
“We will make sure that oceans receive their rightful place in the discussions, the negotiations, and the events.”
Mr Bowen paid tribute to Pacific Island nations for their leadership on climate action, recalling their crucial role in pushing for the inclusion of the 1.5-degree Celsius target in global climate negotiations.
“It was the Pacific that insisted 1.5 degrees be put on the agenda,” he said.
“The Pacific said 2 or 3 degrees is not good enough. We’re not leaving until we commit to 1.5, and that’s what we did.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum towards achieving the target, saying the sooner the global community returns to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees, the better the outcome for all nations.
Mr Bowen also highlighted concerns over climate finance, noting that only 0.2 per cent of global climate funding currently reaches Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“That has to change. It’s not good enough,” he said.
Referring to discussions held during the recent pre-COP meeting in Tuvalu, Mr Bowen said many delegates had acknowledged the powerful messages delivered by Pacific leaders and communities.
“I’ve heard people say, ‘As we’ve heard in Tuvalu, as Tuvalu showed us, as Tuvalu reminded us.’ Those lessons are being carried into COP31,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges involved in reaching agreement among more than 190 countries, Mr Bowen pledged that Pacific voices would remain central throughout the negotiations.
“I can’t promise exactly what the outcome will be,” he said.
“But I can promise this: the Pacific will be right there with us at the heart of the negotiations every single day.”
He said Pacific ministers would work closely with Australia’s negotiating team, ensuring the region’s priorities and concerns are heard during discussions.
With at least two weeks of negotiations ahead, Mr Bowen said Australia remained committed to supporting Pacific participation and influence throughout the conference.
“We’re going to keep going until we make sure Pacific voices are heard,” he said.
Mr Bowen also welcomed the launch of the Moana Pacific Pavilion, supported by Australia and New Zealand, describing it as an important platform for Pacific countries to share their stories and climate experiences with the world.
“This is your chance to tell our stories to the global community,” he said.
“Let’s tell them loudly, proudly and persistently over the next fortnight.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) said Pacific countries are advocating for oceans to become a formal agenda item under future COP processes.
He said Pacific ministers and the Pacific Ocean Commissioner would continue to champion the cause with support from international partners.
The opening of the Moana Pacific Pavilion was marked by vibrant cultural performances led by former Miss Pacific, Moemoana Safaʻatoʻa Schwenke, celebrating Pacific identity and unity as climate negotiations get underway.
Source : Eddie Osifelo ,ANTALYA, Turkey
