Climate Change Minister Embarks on Pacific Tour to Boost COP31 Bid

Bowen will visit 4 island nations—Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands—to boost Australia’s push to host climate summit.

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen looks on during a federal cabinet meeting in Perth, Australia, on June 3, 2025. Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is set to tour four Pacific Island nations this week, seeking regional support for Australia’s bid to host the COP31 climate summit in 2026.

The visit includes Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where he will hold high-level talks with political leaders and counterparts to promote a joint bid that aims to strengthen Pacific voices in global climate negotiations.

This marks Bowen’s first overseas trip since the Albanese government was re-elected.

During the visit, he is expected to emphasise shared climate goals and Australia’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation through the $50 million (US$32.5 million) Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET).

The initiative is designed to support Pacific countries in shifting to clean energy, increasing energy security, and meeting Paris Agreement targets.

Clean Energy Ties and Site Visits

Bowen will also meet local industry leaders and community stakeholders, and inspect key infrastructure projects—including the Palau Solar Farm, a 15MW renewable energy facility that ranks among the Pacific’s largest and is funded with Australian support.

“It makes sense that the world’s biggest climate conference should be hosted by the region facing some of the world’s biggest climate impacts,” said Bowen in a statement issued on July 7.

Australia’s Pitch for Leadership

The government maintains that securing COP31 would showcase Australia’s capability to lead the transition to net zero through leveraging its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and trade ties.

The summit would also offer a platform to attract investment in clean energy and highlight the perspectives of both Aboriginal and Pacific communities.

“If our bid is successful, COP31 would amplify the voices, perspectives and solutions of the enduring custodians of our lands and oceans,” a government statement reads.

Opposition Criticism Over Climate Record

Despite the diplomatic push, the Coalition has questioned Australia’s credibility on climate action. Deputy Liberal Leader Ted O’Brien accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of focusing on optics over outcomes.

“The prime minister is mesmerised by the allure of hosting the world’s largest climate change conference ... but, given emissions are rising, targets are being missed and promises broken, he can hardly pitch to host a future COP on the grounds of performance,” O’Brien said.

The previous COP summit, COP29, held in Azerbaijan, resulted in a landmark agreement to provide US$300 billion (A$460 billion) annually through 2035 to help developing nations adapt to climate change.