Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has rejected claims that the latest Pacific Islands Forum communique, issued in Tonga, is one of the least effective due to the omission of a “climate crisis” declaration.
Critics argue that this omission could hamper the region’s access to critical climate financing. However, Waqa emphasized that climate change remains a top priority for Pacific leaders. “Accessing climate finance is incredibly difficult,” Waqa told PACNEWS, stressing that leaders acknowledge the challenge annually and did so again this year.
Although the communique does not explicitly use the term “climate crisis,” Waqa insisted the issue was thoroughly discussed, particularly the impact of sea level rise. He highlighted Pacific leaders’ desire to make sea level rise a permanent agenda item at international forums like the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Critics fear that the communique’s language could weaken the region’s negotiating power for climate financing. Waqa, however, dismissed these concerns, pointing to the Pacific’s strong track record in climate advocacy.
Waqa also spoke of the upcoming regional meeting with Australia regarding their joint bid to co-host COP31, which is a key step in reinforcing the Pacific’s role in global climate discussions.
Source: PACNEWS