Solomon Islands journalist Noel Charles Piringi has been selected among 16 journalists from around the world to report on the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026.
Piringi is the only Solomon Islands journalist named in the 2026 Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) reporting fellowship, joining journalists from countries including Indonesia, India, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh and China.
His selection provides an important opportunity for a Solomon Islands voice to be present at one of the world’s major climate negotiations. As a journalist from a small island developing state, Piringi will be positioned to report on climate issues through the lens of Solomon Islands communities and the wider Pacific.
During COP31, the fellows will take part in orientation programmes, daily briefings, interviews with high-level officials and networking activities. They will also receive guidance from experienced climate journalists as they cover developments and outcomes from the climate talks.
Key issues at COP31 are expected to include climate finance, mitigation and adaptation, climate-resilient infrastructure and implementation of commitments from previous climate negotiations. The programme also highlights the importance of representation and adaptation finance for small island developing states (SIDS).
For Solomon Islands, having a local journalist reporting directly from COP31 means stories from the global climate negotiations can be brought back to communities with a stronger understanding of their local relevance.
Piringi will be among a new cohort of journalists attending and covering a COP in person for first time. The fellowship was selected from a global pool of more than 500 applications, following two rounds of review and interviews. In a previous COP, Mr. Piringi covered it virtually.
From the Solomon Islands to Antalya, Noel Charles Piringi will carry with him an opportunity to amplify Pacific perspectives in the global climate conversation.
