Pacific island countries have contributed least to climate change but face some of the most severe impacts.
They are also leading the response, delivering practical solutions and driving international action.
Climate and energy were key priorities at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Leaders met in Palau from 30 August to 4 September 2026. The theme Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity.
The Pacific Islands Forum is the region’s main political institution. Australia is a founding member and works closely with Pacific partners on shared goals. Together, they are building a more resilient and secure region.
Climate action shaped with the Pacific
At the meeting, Pacific leaders discussed:
- renewable energy
- energy security
- climate and ocean priorities
- implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The meeting also built momentum towards the Pacific Pre-COP in October. Fiji will host the Pre-COP meetings, with a special leaders’ component in Tuvalu. These meetings will take place ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November. They will highlight Pacific climate impacts and solutions. They will also help put Pacific priorities at the centre of international negotiations.
As President of Negotiations for COP31, Australia is working with Pacific partners to amplify the region’s voice and support real outcomes.
Making climate finance easier to access remains a key priority. Small Island Developing States face long delays, high costs and uncertain funding. These challenges make it harder to deliver important adaptation and resilience projects.
Australia is also working with Pacific partners to encourage more investment in practical ocean-based solutions. These solutions can strengthen resilience, protect food security and livelihoods, and help keep 1.5°C within reach.
Turning ambition into action
At the meeting, Australia announced a $1.89 million contribution to support the proposed Pacific Renewable Energy Commissioner.
The Commissioner will bring partners together, attract investment and speed up renewable energy projects. This will help the region move towards a 100% renewable energy.
Leaders also visited Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant at Ngatpang on Babeldaob. Australia helped fund the project through a $31.4 million package from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
A further $16.4 million investment is adding battery storage and upgrading Palau’s electricity grid. The work is expected to double the plant’s energy storage capacity and lift renewable energy to 25% of Palau’s electricity generation.
Australia also announced a $25 million, 5-year partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. The partnership will support shared climate and environmental priorities across the Pacific.
These initiatives show Pacific partnership in action. They deliver cleaner and more reliable energy, reduce reliance on imported diesel and support a more resilient and prosperous region.
