Papua New Guinea is urging world leaders to turn climate commitments into concrete action at the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, with a strong focus on accessible climate financing and a fair transition that considers the development needs of Pacific Island nations.

Speaking after the Pre-COP31 Ministerial Plenary in Nadi, Fiji, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Kaupa reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and efforts to keep global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius target.

Minister Kaupa said COP31 must focus on implementing existing climate agreements, with clear responsibilities, accessible funding and measurable results.

He stressed that climate finance must move beyond pledges to actual funding, calling for more grants, concessional financing, simpler application processes and stronger support for national institutions.

He said funding must reach communities affected by flooding, coastal erosion, extreme weather and displacement, without placing additional debt burdens on vulnerable countries.

On the transition to cleaner energy, Minister Kaupa said countries must receive support that reflects their individual circumstances. He noted that many communities in PNG, particularly in remote areas, still rely on diesel-generated electricity.

He said expanding access to affordable renewable energy would require investment in infrastructure, technology, skills development and reliable energy services.

The Minister also called for greater emissions reduction efforts by major polluters, practical improvements to the Mitigation Work Programme and recognition of the role played by countries such as PNG, which maintain high forest cover and low deforestation rates.

“Our forests and oceans are globally significant, but our communities are already experiencing climate impacts. COP31 must connect global ambition with practical support that protects lives, livelihoods and development,” Minister Kaupa said.

He acknowledged Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia for facilitating the Pacific Pre-COP31 process, while recognising Türkiye’s leadership as host of COP31.

Minister Kaupa said PNG would continue working with Pacific partners and other parties to achieve a balanced, ambitious and practical outcome at the conference.

He reiterated that climate finance must reach vulnerable communities, the transition to cleaner energy must be fair, and international commitments must deliver tangible results on the ground.