Pacific Ocean Commissioner

08/10/2026

Watch now: Blue Pacific Leadership at Pacific Pre-COP31!

"The Pacific is ready to lead, the Pacific is ready to partner, and the Pacific is ready to deliver." — COP31 Ocean Envoy, Honourable Inia Seruiratu

Ahead of COP31, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni convened a distinguished panel of leaders, champions, and partners to amplify Pacific priorities and strengthen ocean-climate action on the global stage.

UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, called for a clear message from the Pacific: "Never again should Mother Ocean, the planet's primary climate regulator, be consigned to the back row of climate change deliberations."

Palau's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ilana Seid highlighted the recently endorsed 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Ocean Statement and underscored the immense scale of Pacific stewardship, with the Blue Pacific Ocean spanning an area five times larger than the continental United States.

Honourable Elina Akinaga of the Federated States of Micronesia emphasised the critical links between ocean health, climate action, and biodiversity through the and shared the Federated States of Micronesia's plans to advance area-based management proposals for the high seas.

Alfred Ralifo of WWF Pacific reminded participants that communities are driving ocean-climate action every day. He stressed the need to elevate community voices in decision-making and ensure greater access to finance for local action.

Mustafa Baskara of the Türkiye COP Presidency reaffirmed the importance of a collective global vision to safeguard the ocean for future generations and highlighted Türkiye's commitment to integrating ocean priorities throughout the COP31 process.

Olive Mafi of the Pacific Youth Council closed with a powerful message from Pacific youth.

From community action to global advocacy, the message was clear: the Pacific is leading with solutions, experience, and ambition. As momentum builds towards COP31, the Blue Pacific continues to champion an ocean-centred approach to climate action for the benefit of present and future generations.

07/10/2026

A full day of advancing Pacific ocean priorities on the global stage.

The day began with WWF’s Blue Corridors event, highlighting the importance of protecting critical migratory pathways across the Blue Pacific and strengthening the links between the 30x30 target and the BBNJ Agreement.

Discussions continued at the High Seas Alliance BBNJ side event, reinforcing the urgency of implementing the Agreement in ways that deliver meaningful outcomes for Pacific peoples and future generations.

The day culminated with the OPOC side event, Blue Pacific Leadership: Advancing Ocean-Climate Action Towards COP31, where Pacific leaders and champions came together to elevate the region’s ocean-climate priorities ahead of COP31.

Across these conversations, a clear message emerged: the Pacific is not waiting to be heard. Pacific peoples are leading with solutions, stewardship, and generations of ocean knowledge. As the world looks toward COP31, there must be stronger recognition of Pacific leadership, greater investment in Pacific-led priorities, and meaningful action that matches the scale and urgency of the ocean-climate challenge.

The Blue Pacific is not asking for a seat at the table. We are helping shape the agenda. The time to listen, partner, and act is now.

07/10/2026

07 October, 2026 - Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni met with Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua of Tonga at the margins of the Pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi. Commissioner Manoni updated the Prime Minister on the ongoing ocean regional initiatives, and the upcoming regional and global engagements, including on the important work on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

The Pacific Ocean Commissioner also pledged support to Tonga following the announcement at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on the convening of the Polynesian Ocean Summit in Tonga in 2027.
-COP31

07/10/2026

Bula from the Pacific PreCOP31!

Pacific leaders are sending a strong message ahead of the COP31: the ocean must be at the heart of climate action.

Speaking alongside champions, Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni called on Pacific leaders to be unapologetic in advancing our priorities on the global stage.

From calls for accessible and fit-for-purpose climate finance by Pacific Ocean Envoy Honourable Inia Seruiratu, to intergenerational ocean stewardship championed by Niue's Honourable Mona Ainu'u, and recognition of customary marine governance highlighted by Pacific Conference of Churches' General Secretary Rev. James Bhagwan, one theme stood out:

💙 The Pacific has the knowledge, leadership and solutions. The world must listen and act.

06/10/2026

Ocean finance is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Blue Pacific is moving from conversation to action.

Speaking at the Blue Pacific Ocean Finance: Scaling Success side event ahead of COP31, Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni highlighted the Pacific's push for smarter, more coordinated, and long-term ocean finance solutions that build both resilience and economic prosperity.

The message from this Pacific Pre-COP side event is that the challenge is not a lack of investment, but ensuring finance is better aligned, coordinated, and delivers lasting benefits for people and the ocean.

Special appreciation to speakers Minister Monique Barbut of France, who emphasized mobilizing finance to achieve the 30x30 ocean target; Minister Steven Victor, who shared Palau's success with its Green Fee and long-term conservation financing through the Micronesia Conservation Trust; and Minister Mona Ainu'u, who showcased Niue's innovative NOW initiative and national endowment approach to supporting locally led conservation and blue economy development.

Through the newly endorsed Pacific Ocean Finance Group, the Blue Pacific is taking tangible steps to strengthen regional coordination and shape the future of finance.

Investing in our ocean is investing in our future.

05/10/2026

The Pacific continues to lead the world in championing the vital connection between our and climate.

Don't miss this insightful discussion at the moderated by Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni, highlighting how Pacific Island Countries and Territories are advancing the Ocean-Climate Nexus through global negotiations, regional commitments, and action on the ground.

Together, we are ensuring the ocean remains at the heart of climate solutions.



Pacific Islands Forum

28/09/2026

Join OPOC at the Pacific PreCOP31 in Fiji!

OPOC will be hosting a side event “Blue Pacific Leadership: Advancing Ocean-Climate Action Toward COP31” on Wednesday 7 October at 3pm.

Speakers include:
- Hon. Steven Victor, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Republic of Palau
- Ambassador Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy on Ocean
- Dr Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
- And more to be announced!




Pacific Islands Forum Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment

27/09/2026

Mauri from Kiribati.

Our team is in Tarawa for the three-day National BBNJ Policy Workshop from 23-25 September 2026.

The workshop brings together BBNJ Subcommittee members and key national
stakeholders from across government to strengthen understanding of the BBNJ Agreement and discuss national
policy, legal and institutional arrangements for its implementation and
domestication.

The outcomes of the workshop will help
inform the development of a National
BBNJ Policy, as well as identify key policy and legislative gaps and recommendations for implementation and domestication.

Korabwa to the Government of Kiribati andj its BBNJ Subcommittee members and participating national stakeholders for their valuable contributions towards a
coordinated, whole-of-government approach to BBNJ and Kiribati’s ocean
priorities.

A special appreciation and acknowledgement to our partners- Conservation International, the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water for the Government of **Australia**, and the University of the South Pacific (USP) for their valuable support and technical contributions in strengthening Kiribati’s BBNJ journey.

23/09/2026

Pacific Leaders Unite for a Stronger Ocean Future

The Blue Pacific has spoken with one voice for our one shared

At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, Pacific Leaders endorsed the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Ocean Statement, reaffirming their collective commitment to protect and sustainably manage our Blue Pacific Ocean for current and future generations.

From climate change and sea-level rise to biodiversity loss, marine pollution and illegal fishing, Leaders highlighted the urgent challenges facing our and called for stronger global action ahead of upcoming international ocean and climate meetings.

"Our ocean is more than a resource. It is our identity, our heritage and our future."

Guided by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, Leaders committed to strengthening regional cooperation, advancing ocean stewardship, supporting sustainable fisheries, and ensuring Pacific voices continue to shape global decisions on oceans, climate and biodiversity.

Together, the Pacific remains committed to the sustainable management of 100% of the Blue Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Islands Forum



Read More

As the world prepares for the largest annual climate summit in the coming months, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have reaffirmed their collective commitment to protecting and […]

17/09/2026

During the 55th Pacific leaders meeting in Palau, Leaders endorsed the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Ocean Statement.
The Statement articulates an ambitious ocean pathway towards UNFCCC PreCOP and COP31, C*D COP17, BBNJ COP1, the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference and beyond.

Read the Ocean Statement here: https://forumsec.org/publications/leaders-communique-55th-pacific-islands-forum-leaders-meeting