Pacific Islands Forum seeks climate finance and Gulf partnerships

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is calling for a global shift from climate commitments to decisive action ahead of the COP31 conference in Antalya. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau and PIF Chair, emphasized that the region cannot afford further delays, noting that climate obligations are binding according to the International Court of Justice.

To address funding gaps, a high-level PIF delegation, including Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa, conducted a mission to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The mission aimed to secure investment for renewable energy and the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which currently faces a funding shortfall of over US$300 million.

During meetings in Abu Dhabi with UAE leadership and officials from Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, President Whipps highlighted opportunities for cooperation in water security, resilient infrastructure, digital connectivity, and trade. He noted that while Gulf nations are major oil producers, they are also significant investors in renewable energy, making them critical partners in addressing the accessibility of climate finance.