RELEASE: From the Blue Pacific to the Heart of the Amazon: Pacific Leaders Unite for COP30
Media Releases and News
09 November 2025
Pacific Island Forum members are preparing to once again unite on the global stage at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), representing the collective voice and interests of the Blue Pacific Continent.
This year, Brazil will take center stage as host of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Pará — a city set against the backdrop of the Amazon Forest — one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. COP30 will highlight the urgent need to protect and restore nature as the source of global climate balance.
The Pacific Political Climate Champions will once again take the lead in bringing the Pacific’s voice to the world stage. As influential Pacific leaders, they play a pivotal role in advancing the region’s climate priorities, ensuring that the realities and solutions of the Blue Pacific are at the forefront of global negotiations.
Together, the Champions will provide essential political leadership during COP30, focusing on advancing Pacific Small Islands Developing States priorities. The seven Pacific Political Climate Champions are:
Political Champion
Thematic Areas
NIUE: Hon. Mona Ainu’u, Minister of Natural Resources
Oceans
FIJI: Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. –
Climate Finance
VANUATU: Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change, Energy, Meteorology, Geohazards, Environment and Disaster Management
Loss and Damage
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA (FSM): Secretary Elina Akinaga – stepping in as the Alternative Champion for Hon Dr. Taniela Likuóhihifo Fusimalohi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Meteorology Energy Information Disaster Management Environment Climate Change Communications of Tonga
Just Transition
TUVALU: Hon Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment
Mitigation
REPUBLIC OF MARSHALL ISLANDS: Hon. Bremity Lakjohn, Minister-in-Assistance to the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adaptation
KIRIBATI: Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs
Gender and Social Inclusion
Supported by Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the One CROP* mechanism, the Champions will ensure a coordinated and influential Pacific presence throughout the negotiations.
"Climate change requires collective leadership. To succeed, all stakeholders must join the effort, otherwise our ambition is like a bird trying to soar using only one wing,” said Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing, the Political Champion for Gender & Social Inclusion and Kiribati Minister of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs.
The UNFCCC COP is the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. The meeting is held annually, with the Presidency rotating among the five UN recognised regions.
Australia has placed a bid to host COP31 in 2026, in partnership with the Pacific, dubbed the ‘Pacific COP’, potentially bringing the world to the shores of the region next year.
