Samoa has joined Pacific nations and international partners in reaffirming regional climate priorities at the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event held in Fiji and Tuvalu from 5–6 October 2026.
Representing the Prime Minister and Government of Samoa, the Honourable Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai participated in the Leaders’ Side Event in Tuvalu and the Leaders’ Plenary, where discussions centred on the growing impacts of climate change and the need for stronger international commitments ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The gathering brought together Pacific leaders, ministers and international representatives to advance four major priorities: limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C, improving access to climate finance, strengthening the relationship between ocean protection and climate action, and ensuring Pacific countries have a greater voice in international climate negotiations.
The Leaders’ Side Event in Tuvalu provided visiting representatives with an opportunity to observe the challenges facing low-lying Pacific communities, where rising sea levels and changing weather conditions increasingly threaten homes, infrastructure, livelihoods and ecosystems.
The visit placed particular attention on the experiences of communities already adapting to these environmental changes and the importance of reflecting their circumstances in international climate policies.
A central outcome of the Leaders’ Plenary was the endorsement of the Taku Pakasoa Declaration, adopted on 6 October 2026.
The declaration takes its name from a Tuvaluan expression referring to strength through unity and collective action. It calls for accelerated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved access to climate financing and greater international recognition of the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States.
The declaration also addresses the protection of national sovereignty and maritime boundaries as sea levels rise, an issue of particular importance to Pacific island countries whose territories, resources and economic futures depend heavily on their surrounding oceans.
It further calls for reforms to international climate financing arrangements to ensure vulnerable countries can access grants and concessional funding more effectively.
The Pacific Resilience Facility was highlighted during the discussions as a regional financing initiative designed to support community resilience, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and responses to loss and damage.
The facility is intended to strengthen Pacific ownership of climate financing and direct resources towards communities experiencing the effects of climate change.
Samoa welcomed the participation of international partners, recognising the importance of continued dialogue on the particular circumstances of Pacific island countries.
The Pre-COP31 gathering forms part of preparations for COP31, scheduled for 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. Türkiye holds the COP31 presidency, while Australia serves as President of Negotiations, working with Pacific countries to advance regional climate priorities.
Samoa expressed appreciation to the governments and people of Fiji and Tuvalu for hosting the leaders’ events and acknowledged the roles of Australia and Türkiye in preparing for the global conference.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to continued regional cooperation and international engagement as Pacific countries seek stronger implementation of existing climate agreements.
The wider Pre-COP31 programme in Fiji runs from 5–8 October 2026, bringing together international representatives ahead of the November negotiations.
Editorial note: The supplied release describes Australia and Türkiye as COP31 co-presidencies. Official arrangements identify Türkiye as COP31 President and Australia as President of Negotiations, so I have used those precise titles. The full Taku Pakasoa Declaration provides additional substance beyond the press release, particularly on maritime sovereignty, fossil fuels and climate financing.
