Australia has focused global attention on the Pacific at the world’s biggest climate conference, COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the imminent threat of climate change in the Pacific and called for global support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-owned and led financing institution.
Australia is proud founding contributor to the Facility, which is focused on strengthening resilience at the community level. It provides grants for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and response, such as community solar energy and rainwater harvesting infrastructure.
At COP31, Prime Minister Albanese called on partners to continue support for Pacific resilience, highlighting the opportunity to convert climate ambition into lasting impact for Pacific communities.
One of Australia’s key priorities as President of Negotiations for COP31 has been to elevate Pacific priorities, including accessible and flexible climate finance. Ahead of COP31, Australia joined Pacific partners to shape global climate priorities, work which was advanced at the Pre-COP Leaders’ event in Fiji and Tuvalu.
Australia's support reflects our commitment to working with partners to advance Pacific priorities and strengthen resilience across the region.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“I welcome recent pledges to the Pacific Resilience Facility announced at the Pacific Pre-COP and call on partners to bring this momentum to COP31.
“An investment in the Pacific Resilience Facility is an investment in the future of local communities in our Pacific family.
“What happens in the Pacific matters to Australia – this region is our home, and we will continue to back Pacific-led climate action.”
Attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
“Countries on the frontline of climate change cannot be left at the back of the queue for climate finance.
“The Pacific Resilience Facility puts Pacific priorities and Pacific leadership at the centre of decisions about building resilience.
“Australia is proud to elevate the Pacific on the world stage at COP31, backing Pacific-led solutions that help strengthen economic and energy security across the region"
Attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy
“The Pacific Resilience Facility is a transformative initiative that is owned by and delivers for the region.
“Climate change is the number one issue facing the Pacific - and Pacific communities are leading the way on practical solutions.
“We encourage other countries to back Pacific-led solutions to the existential threat of climate change.”