Overview:
A high-level Pacific Islands Forum delegation, led by PIF Chair and Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., is visiting the UAE and Qatar to advance cooperation on climate resilience, sustainable development, and climate finance ahead of COP31.
5 November 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE: A high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking place this week to advance cooperation on climate resilience, investment, and sustainable development.
His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, accompanied by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, is leading the delegation. UAE Minister of State, H.E. Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, received His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., on 4 November in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of the Mission.
The visit follows Forum Leaders’ confirmation of the United Arab Emirates as a Strategic Partner at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. It provides an opportunity to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
This visit is particularly meaningful as the Pacific delegation makes its way to COP31. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the landmark decision adopted under the UAE’s leadership as host of COP28, laying the groundwork for meaningful global action to transition away from fossil fuels toward clean, renewable energy, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance.
“The Pacific is clear about its priorities: protecting our communities, strengthening resilience, and creating opportunities for our people. We welcome the opportunity to work with the UAE to turn those priorities into practical cooperation,” said H.E Whipps.
“The Pacific Resilience Facility is a Pacific-led solution to help communities prepare for climate and disaster risks. We are seeking partners who will invest in that work and help deliver lasting results.”
The Forum Chair and the Secretary General will then travel to Doha, Qatar, where they will be joined by the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua. The delegation will hold high-level meetings on climate resilience, investment, and sustainable development.
The mission will also advance the Pacific’s climate finance advocacy ahead of COP31. This includes building international support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led financing mechanism designed to strengthen climate and disaster resilience at the community level.
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