Pacific leaders call for climate action: Video
The Pacific Islands Forum, opening in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, has centred its discussions on the urgent climate crisis and growing geopolitical rivalries.
The summit commenced shortly after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Tonga’s coast, causing no significant damage. Leaders from the region have seized the opportunity to demand greater accountability from high-emission nations for climate-related damages.
"We really need to ensure that we continue to push for action from countries that are the most polluting," Tuvalu Climate Minister Maina Talia told AFP on the sidelines of the summit.
The forum is advocating for a regional climate adaptation fund, dependent on international support, and is calling for a swift transition away from fossil fuels, which are seen as the primary cause of climate disasters.
"The decisions world leaders take in the coming years will determine the fate, first of Pacific Islanders, and then everyone else," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, making a rare visit to the summit said.
The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum is also experiencing internal divisions, as its member countries disagree on how to handle China's growing security presence and ambitions in the region.
