Pacific Voices, Climate Justice and the Road to COP31
For the Uniting Climate campaign, participation in Pre-COP was an opportunity to ensure that the voices of Pacific communities and people most affected by climate change were heard where decisions are being shaped.
Last week, the Moderator, Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Rev. Alimoni Taumoepeau and Rev. Viniana Ravetali from the Uniting Church and representatives from Uniting joined governments, faith leaders and civil society organisations in Fiji and Tuvalu for Pre-COP, an important milestone on the road to COP31.
Pre-COP brings together ministers, negotiators and key stakeholders ahead of the UN climate summit to identify priorities, build relationships and narrow issues before formal negotiations begin. This year's gathering was especially significant because it was hosted in the Pacific, helping draw global attention to communities already experiencing the front-line impacts of climate change.
For the Uniting Climate campaign, participation in Pre-COP was an opportunity to ensure that the voices of Pacific communities and people most affected by climate change were heard where decisions are being shaped. Climate change is not only an environmental challenge. It is a driver of inequality, disproportionately affecting communities with the fewest resources and the least responsibility for global emissions.
Our delegation took part in church, government and advocacy engagements throughout the week.
The Moderator was invited by the Australian Government to lead a prayer at the Leaders' Breakfast before world leaders travelled to Tuvalu.
Uniting also hosted a fully subscribed side event, Faith in Action: Pacific Voices for Climate Action, featuring Tuvalu's Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Dr Maina Talia, alongside Pacific church leaders and advocates. A key outcome was demonstrating the power of a prophetic faith voice in international climate discussions. Faith leaders helped shift the conversation beyond technical negotiations and diplomatic language, reminding decision-makers of the moral imperative for climate action and the human consequences of delayed action.
The delegation met with Kate Thwaites MP to discuss climate adaptation, resilience and gender inclusion priorities emerging from Pacific communities. Through engagement with Minister Bowen's office and regional partners, the team gained access to ministerial plenaries and other decision-making spaces where key climate priorities were being negotiated. These opportunities enabled Uniting to advocate directly for the priorities and experiences of Pacific communities.
One of the strongest impressions from the week was the extraordinary moral and diplomatic leadership shown by Pacific nations. Across meetings and negotiations, the message was clear and consistent: keeping 1.5°C within reach remains essential. For many Pacific communities, every fraction of a degree matters because it is a matter of survival.
As Australia prepares to host COP31, an important question remains: how will the Australian Government reconcile its leadership role in global climate negotiations with continued expansion of coal and gas projects?
This engagement is part of a long history of the Uniting Church putting faith into action for climate justice. In the lead up to Pre-COP, 40 congregations took action as part of the Climate Justice Activation Month of Action. On Tuesday 6th of October during Pre-COP, Uniting church congregations joined the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change for a day of action, calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
As COP31 approaches, we remain committed to raising our voice for climate justice and standing with Pacific communities calling for action that matches the scale of the challenge.
Learn more about the UCAN Climate Justice Activation
