Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will go to Suva, Fiji, this week to meet with Pacific Climate Ministers to explore further collaboration on climate action and ensure the region capitalises on the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.
Minister Bowen will meet with government, academia, and energy sector representatives to discuss how Australia and the Pacific can collaborate to accelerate the renewable energy transition, including regional opportunities for hydrogen, strengthen climate resilience, and combat water scarcity.
After attending the UNFCCC Pacific Regional High-Level Dialogue on 21-22 August, Minister Bowen will chair a Pacific Climate Change Ministers Roundtable on 23 August to create a shared strategy for international climate engagement with Pacific counterparts.
According to the Australian Government, the meetings are a critical step towards expanding engagement with Pacific partners to expedite the energy transition and amplify Pacific voices in the international arena.
Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with the Pacific will also be discussed, with a particular emphasis on maximising prospects for the entire region.
Minister Bowen stated that engagement and continuous dialogue with Australia’s Pacific allies will help promote real climate change cooperation.
“Our government is committed to working with our Pacific neighbours to strengthen climate action and accelerate the energy transformation across our region and around the world,” Minister Bowen said.
“I look forward to meeting with my Pacific counterparts to understand their priorities and further discuss how we can work together to elevate Pacific voices among major global partners,” the Minister added.
Minister Tanya Plibersek will serve as interim Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
