NEW YORK (PALAU GOVT) —Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr joined Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Dr Andrew Forrest, co-founder of the Minderoo Foundation, and other partners of the COP31 Friends initiative for an informal, high-level meeting on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.
President Whipps emphasised the urgent need for the forthcoming COP31 to place stronger focus on the ocean, underscoring its central role in climate action, global biodiversity, and the livelihoods of Pacific peoples.
“As the ocean defines our way of life and sustains our communities, its protection must be at the heart of negotiations,” President Whipps said.
The discussion reinforced Palau’s commitment to championing ocean priorities at COP31 and highlighted the growing coalition of leaders and partners supporting this agenda…. PACNEWS