Prime Minister Matthew Wale advances Pacific climate advocacy as he departs Solomon Islands for COP31 in Türkiye.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale’s strong climate advocacy at Pre-COP31 in Fiji has drawn growing attention among Pacific leaders ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.

His strong interventions and clear position on the urgent need for meaningful global climate action have positioned him as an emerging voice in Pacific climate diplomacy.

At the Pre-COP31 meeting, Prime Minister Wale emphasised the need for the international community to move beyond promises and deliver tangible climate commitments and action.

He has maintained that the Pacific cannot afford further delays, given the existential threat climate change poses to island nations, their people, economies and future generations.

Prime Minister Wale’s position strengthens the Solomon Islands’ longstanding call for climate justice, greater international accountability and stronger commitments from major emitters to support vulnerable countries.

His participation at COP31 would provide an important opportunity to amplify the Pacific’s collective voice, advance Solomon Islands’ climate priorities and push for concrete outcomes at the global negotiations.

With rising sea levels, coastal erosion and extreme weather continuing to threaten Pacific communities, Prime Minister Wale has called for stronger commitment and practical action, stressing that the region cannot afford further delays in addressing climate change.

Prime Minister Wale departed the country today for COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. The conference will run from 9 to 20 November 2026, bringing together world leaders and climate representatives to discuss global climate action, commitments and responses to the growing impacts of climate change. 

SOURCE// OPMC PRESS RELEASE