‘I’m seeing the same thing happening over again’

The Secretary-General for the Pacific Islands Forum is frustrated the world is no closer to addressing the climate crisis.

Baron Waqa has acknowledged the deep frustration of Small Island Developing States, who are on the front lines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, more intense hurricanes, and widespread economic devastation.

The Conference of Parties or COP29 entered its fifth day in Baku, Azerbaijan, and many Pacific leaders are navigating the familiar challenge of negotiation in a space dominated by larger, wealthier nations.

Waqa voiced his frustration amid a unified call for urgent action at the annual United Nations climate conference.

"It’s almost like I’m seeing the same thing happening over and over again at each COP. There’s a lot of talking but slow action, there’s no action at all,” he told PMN News.

“We are frustrated but we can slowly chip away at it. So to speak, you keep going, keep making those small inroads and small steps.

“I think that is absolutely important. Just imagine there’s no COP next year and it’s gone… That’s going to be a big concern for us.”

The re-election of Donald Trump has added a layer of uncertainty to COP29.

Pacific leaders include PIF Chair and Tonga PM, Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni (third from left). Photo/Joseph Safiti

While Waqa expressed cautious optimism about engaging with the new administration, he acknowledged the Pacific’s concern.

“We’re soon to learn what they [the US] will be like in the climate change arena but it is fair for us to wait and see and to start together.

“We have to respect the political view that they have but they must respect us.

“I am confident that we can get some work done with this new administration. I’m pretty certain of that.

“It requires our leaders and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to do more as well so that we can get everyone on board.

“Donald Trump is an excellent leader. Everyone has backed him up and he’s got a clear mandate.

“So we have to respect that.”

Frustrations aren’t only limited to the United States.

Papua New Guinea’s decision to boycott COP29 shocked the international community. The country was frustrated by the global community's lack of action to support nations that bear the brunt of climate change.

Despite the boycott, PNG sent experts to support the Pacific delegation.

PNG's Foreign Minister, Justin Tkachenko confirmed the country's COP boycott over "empty promises and inaction". Photo/Joseph Safiti

Waqa acknowledged the frustrations but is still hopeful.

“COP meetings are always difficult and this is where we people, the leaders get together and others, technical people and scientists and whatnot, to come together and Talanoa, if you may.

“And it's always important that we have a voice. But the frustration side of it is quite understandable.

“You think we're not frustrated in the Pacific? We are. Everyone is frustrated.

“And some are more frustrated than others and we will continue to encourage one another, even on the side in our own meetings as well.

“And of course Papua New Guinea is not here, but we will work closely with Papua New Guinea on our other forums, because it is absolutely important that we continue to support one another and speak with one loud voice.”

The Pacific delegation’s primary focus at COP29 is securing a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) for climate finance.

This goal aims to provide grant-based, easily accessible funding to small island developing states.

Zarak Khan, the director of programmes and initiatives at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, referenced the unmet US$100 billion (NZ$168.7b) commitment under the Paris Agreement.

“We are still facing a lot of resistance from the developed economies and a number of other negotiating groups on the modalities,” Khan said.

“The Pacific is very firm on its positions in terms of climate finance being additional learning and also grant-based and easily accessible learning from some of the lessons and challenges that our members face in accessing the Green Climate Fund and other multilateral envelopes.

“And so we have about eight years of history behind us and it's really great to have Secretary-General Waqa here because he was part of the negotiations that actually led to the Paris Agreement back in 2016.

“And so since the Paris Agreement has been negotiated and being implemented, as you know, we fell short of the $100 billion target. And so the small island developing states don't want to be taken for a ride again.”

Despite the challenges, the Pacific remains steadfast in its advocacy.

“Member countries need to take full advantage and keep on highlighting these challenges, these climate crises that's affecting our small islands in the Pacific.

“I think those are not so much a problem, it's the negotiation side. And as I said, we keep pushing, I think we can, we will do well. The stories of the Pacific are well heard.

“And I think we need to go further because sometimes bigger and more developed partners of ours know our stories, they've heard our stories, but they prefer not to listen.”

COP29 ends on 22 November.

Watch Tonga PM and PIF Chair, Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni speak at a side event at COP29