Pacific Islands Forum

#COP31

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) takes place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026.

As the Pacific and the global community come together for this critical climate conference, we share a message from our Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, on the region’s priorities and call for meaningful global climate action.

“At COP 31 our Leaders, civil society representatives, and young people, will carry the lived realities, aspirations, and priorities of our Blue Pacific, to the global decision-making table.
Listen to our people. Honour our collective commitments. Deliver the action that a safer, more resilient future demands” - SG Waqa.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #ClimateAction

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 5 November as part of the PIF Chair’s high-level mission to the UAE.

The PIF Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, and the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), Finau Soqo, accompanied President Whipps during the meeting.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, advancing key Pacific regional priorities ahead of COP31, and opportunities to deepen collaboration on climate finance, including support for the PRF.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #COP31 #PRF

Read more: forumsec.org/publications/r…

The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project convened its third Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in a hybrid format on 5 November 2026, bringing together more than 35 participants, including senior finance officials from participating Pacific Island countries, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the World Bank Group.

The PSC, comprising Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Ministries of Finance from the eight participating Pacific Island countries, provides strategic oversight and guidance to the Project.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs Koin Uriam Kiritione, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development of Kiribati, who underscored the importance of correspondent banking as “fundamental to our economic security.”

The Committee unanimously endorsed the Project's 2027 Annual Work Plan, Budget and Procurement Plan, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional financial resilience and advancing project implementation.

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About the CBR Project:
The Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project is a World Bank-financed regional initiative implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat across eight participating Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Project aims to safeguard access to correspondent banking services, strengthen the regulatory and institutional environment, and support sustainable solutions to ensure Pacific economies remain connected to the global financial system.

The President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., met with Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development.

Discussions highlighted the UAE’s investment capacity and expertise in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and water security as areas of strong potential for practical cooperation with the Pacific.

Ahead of COP31, discussions also highlighted the Pacific’s priority to advance the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) the first Pacific-led and Pacific-owned regional financing facility dedicated to strengthening the resilience of Pacific communities.

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism #PacificResilienceFacility

Media Release: Pacific Islands Forum Chair Leads Mission To Strengthen Forum-UAE Cooperation.

5 November 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE: A high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking place this week to advance cooperation on climate resilience, investment and sustainable development.

His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, accompanied by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, is leading the delegation. UAE Minister of State, H.E. Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, received His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., on 4 November in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of the Mission.

Read the full media release here: forumsec.org/publications/r…

#OneBluePacific #Regionalism