Momentum continues to grow for Australia’s bid to co-host the UN’s COP31 Climate Conference in Adelaide in 2026, in partnership with Pacific nations.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate Week NYC, the Smart Energy Council’s Senior International Fellow Thom Woodroofe, together with Dean Bialek from The Pacific Project, co-convened a high-level meeting of “COP31 Friends”.
The gathering brought together:
- Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Australia
- Pacific heads of government and ministers
- Former COP Presidents and Climate Champions
- Leading business voices, including Andrew Forrest (Fortescue) and Shemara Wikramanayake (Macquarie Group)
The Message is Clear
A Pacific COP31 is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:
- Put one of the world’s most vulnerable regions at the forefront of the global climate and clean energy transition
- Deliver globally significant outcomes and demonstrate solidarity within the Pacific family
- Unlock the economic benefits that a major COP can deliver for communities in Australia and the region
While Australia already has overwhelming support within the UN group that must decide the host nation, this gathering confirmed that the international climate and clean energy community is firmly behind the promise of a Pacific COP31.
Acknowledgements
The Smart Energy Council thanks the Minderoo Foundation for supporting this important meeting, and acknowledges the contributions of former South Australian Premiers Mike Rann and Steven Marshall in advancing the cause for a Pacific COP.
Thom Woodroofe said:
“A Pacific COP31 would not only place vulnerable nations at the centre of the global response but also showcase Australia as a genuine partner in driving ambition and solutions. The international community is galvanising behind this vision — and getting on with the job to deliver it.”
Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
