Seruiratu named Pacific Ocean Envoy ahead of COP31

Fiji's Inia Seruiratu has been appointed as the Pacific's Ocean Envoy ahead of COP31, joining two other regional climate leaders tasked with advancing key Pacific priorities on climate action, climate finance and ocean protection.

The appointment was announced by the Pacific Islands Forum as Pacific nations prepare to take a stronger and more coordinated voice into global climate negotiations at COP31 in Türkiye.

Mr Seruiratu, a Member of Parliament and former Global Climate Champion, will serve as Envoy for the Ocean, advocating for Pacific priorities in ocean protection, coastal resilience and ocean-based climate solutions.

Joining him are Kristina Eonemto Stege of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, appointed Envoy for Oceania focused on keeping the 1.5°C target within reach, and Papua New Guinea's Ruel Yamuna, who will serve as Envoy for Access to Climate Finance.

The appointments were made through a joint nomination by the COP31 President-Designate and President of Negotiations and endorsed by Pacific climate change ministers.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa said the upcoming negotiations presented a major opportunity for the region.

"Pre-COP and COP31 provide a critical and unprecedented opportunity for the Blue Pacific to strategically advance this agenda," Waqa said.

"Through the Pacific's role in hosting pre-COP and helping shape the COP31 process, we have a unique platform to ensure our priorities are not only present but clearly heard and reflected in global outcomes."

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Director-General Sefanaia Nawadra said the envoys would help ensure Pacific voices remained at the centre of climate discussions.

"Our Pacific Climate Envoys carry more than a title; they carry the voices, values and lived realities of our Blue Pacific. Having strong Pacific Envoys advocating for our people is essential to ensuring Pacific priorities remain central to global climate action," Nawadra said.

The envoys will take part in pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu before representing the region throughout negotiations in Antalya.

The appointments are backed by the COP31 Australia-Pacific partnership and reflect a coordinated regional effort to influence global climate outcomes.

Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the envoys would strengthen Pacific representation on the world stage.

"Australia is proud to partner with Pacific nations to appoint these three Pacific Climate Envoys," Bowen said.

"The Climate Envoys will be strong advocates for the Pacific on the global stage.

"Their leadership and expertise will help shape the global response to climate change and protect the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of Pacific people.

"COP31 is working to elevate regional voices, leveraging our solidarity to shape the global climate agenda. We are stronger together."

Mr Seruiratu brings extensive experience in climate policy, disaster risk management and ocean stewardship and is expected to play a leading role in promoting Pacific interests on ocean conservation and resilience.