The Pacific Islands Forum began on Monday in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, with a sharp call for the world’s most polluting nations to compensate for the climate-related damage they have caused. Tuvalu’s Climate Minister, Maina Talia, set the tone by declaring, “If you pollute, you should pay,” urging decisive action from major emitters.
Leaders of the Pacific islands are using the summit to highlight the escalating climate crisis that threatens their existence. Talia emphasized the importance of holding polluting nations accountable, stating, “Polluter pays should be on the table.”
A central focus of the summit is the push for a climate adaptation fund tailored for the region, which would require substantial financial contributions from foreign nations. Pacific leaders are also advocating for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, which are seen as the root cause of climate change. “We cannot address climate change without addressing the root cause, which is the fossil fuel industry,” Talia remarked, pointing out the continuous cycle of disasters that have left the region struggling to recover.
Australia, a forum member and coal-mining powerhouse, finds itself in a delicate position. The nation is attempting to improve its environmental image while seeking to co-host the COP31 climate conference with its Pacific neighbors in 2026. However, to gain the support of the Pacific bloc, Australia must demonstrate a genuine commitment to reducing emissions.
The summit has drawn global attention, including a rare visit from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who stressed the urgency of the situation. “The decisions world leaders take in the coming years will determine the fate, first of Pacific Islanders, and then everyone else,” Guterres warned, adding, “If we save the Pacific, we save the world.”
Despite the pressing climate agenda, the summit was momentarily disrupted by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake off Tonga’s coast, although no significant damage or injuries were reported.
Beyond climate issues, the forum also grapples with regional security concerns, particularly the growing influence of China. The summit’s host venue, a $25 million gift from Beijing, underscored China’s presence in the region. Meanwhile, the United States has sent senior diplomat Kurt Campbell to the forum, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Another major issue on the agenda is the unresolved crisis in New Caledonia, where proposed voting reforms by Paris have sparked fears among the indigenous Kanak population that their aspirations for independence could be undermined. Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni called for a unified vision for peace and security in the region, stressing the importance of honoring the right to self-determination, particularly in New Caledonia.
Although not officially on the agenda, the contentious issue of deep-sea mining is expected to provoke intense discussions among Pacific leaders. While nations like Tonga, Nauru, and the Cook Islands are eager to explore the emerging industry, others, including Samoa, Palau, and Fiji, have voiced strong opposition, warning of potential environmental disasters and advocating for an international moratorium on deep-sea mining.
