Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed Papua New Guinea’s strong support for Australia’s bid to host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in 2026, saying this would further elevate the collective Voice of the Pacific and Oceania Region on Global Climate Action.

Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese and that Papua New Guinea, alongside other Pacific Island nations, fully supports Australia’s candidature to host the COP31 Summit.

“The Australian bid to host COP31 is not just an Australian initiative—it is a Regional bid, one that carries the full backing of the 15 Pacific Island Forum nations,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We in the Pacific collectively believe that after Brazil hosted COP30 this year as a Forest Nation, it is proper and timely for the Oceania Region—home to the world’s largest ocean—to host COP31.”

The Prime Minister explained that this proposal represents a continuation of the global conversation linking the “Forest Nations” and “Ocean Nations,” two essential nature-based solutions to Climate Change.

“With due respect to our friends in Turkey, this is nothing personal,” he said. “Turkey and its President are highly respected. But in the broader context of Climate Advocacy, we believe it is fitting that the next COP be hosted by our Region to highlight the twin roles of our Oceans and Forests in mitigating Climate Change.”

Prime Minister Marape underscored that the Pacific and Rainforest Nations carry unique Moral Authority to speak on both Mitigation and Adaptation, given their vulnerability to the worsening impacts of Climate Change and their stewardship over vital Global Carbon Sinks.

“The Pacific Ocean is the largest on Earth, and our Island Nations are among those most affected by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and changing weather patterns,” he said. “We experience the harshest realities of Climate Change firsthand, yet we also offer some of the most powerful solutions—our Forests and our Oceans, which absorb massive amounts of Carbon and host immense Biodiversity.”

Prime Minister Marape further emphasized that COP31 in Australia would not only give Voice to the Pacific’s Climate concerns but also demonstrate Regional solidarity and leadership in driving Global transition towards Clean, Green Energy.

“The industrialized nations have not yet fully transitioned from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy,” he said. “As the world works toward this transformation, the Pacific and the Rainforest Nations—those in the Amazon, the Congo Basin, and here in Southeast Asia—stand as critical partners through our stewardship of Forests and Oceans.”

He added: “From Belém in Brazil to Australia in Oceania, there is a natural sequence—a continuation of the Climate dialogue—linking the Forest Nations and Ocean Nations. This transition of Host Venues symbolically connects nature-based solutions to Global Climate Action.”

Prime Minister Marape reiterated that Papua New Guinea’s support for Australia’s COP31 bid is made on behalf of the entire Pacific region. “Australia may be the physical host, but it is hosting on behalf of all of us in Oceania,” he said. “We are united in our commitment to bring the Voices of Small Island States and Rainforest Nations to the forefront of Global Climate discussions.”

“Papua New Guinea is proud to stand with Prime Minister Albanese and our Pacific brothers and sisters in this important endeavor,” he concluded. “Hosting COP31 in Australia will amplify our Regional message to the world—that we are not just victims of Climate Change, but also custodians of nature’s greatest solutions.”