In a move that underscores Australia’s regional climate leadership, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has embarked on a tour of four Pacific Island nations this week. The visit aims to deepen climate and energy cooperation while advancing Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid to host the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in 2026.
Marking his first overseas mission since the Albanese Government’s re-election, Minister Bowen’s visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to meaningful climate partnerships across the Pacific. He will meet with government leaders and officials in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to drive forward shared efforts in climate adaptation, mitigation, and clean energy development.
Key discussions will include progress on the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET) — a $50 million initiative supporting Pacific nations to transition to clean energy, boost energy security, and fulfil their Paris Agreement goals.
The tour also includes site visits to major renewable energy infrastructure, including the 15MW Palau Solar Farm, one of the Pacific’s largest solar power projects, backed by Australia.
Minister Bowen highlighted the importance of the joint COP31 bid, stating that the Pacific — a region bearing the brunt of global climate impacts — must have a central voice in shaping future international climate policy.
“It makes sense that the world’s biggest climate conference should be hosted by the region facing some of the world’s biggest climate impacts,” Minister Bowen said.
“Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is about ensuring that the region’s voice shapes global climate action for the benefit of the Australian and Pacific people.”
The visit reinforces the Albanese Government’s pledge to stand with Pacific neighbours in building a resilient, low-emissions future — and to champion their voices on the global climate stage.
