COP 31 Base Camp

COP 31 Base Camp

The opportunity for Australia and the Pacific to host a potentially transformative COP 31 is one of great significance. This could accelerate progress for Australia towards net-zero emissions in line with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees and bring much needed climate technology, investment and infrastructure to our Pacific neighbours.

The opportunity however presents many complex questions. How could a transformative COP 31 with the long-term outcomes expected by all stakeholders look like? How can we support a successful bid to host this and design a COP that aligns with the world's needs in 2026? But for many, some more foundational questions remain around how climate COPs work and how to build your sectors capabilities to engage.  

This COP 31 Base Camp is a high-level discussion bringing together more than 200 leaders and practitioners from across Australia and the Pacific to address many of these questions and begin to engage with other sectors on shaping a potentially transformative COP for all. 

The dialogue begins around a proposed vision for COP 31. One that accelerates global progress towards net-zero emissions and places the restoration of nature and the well-being and justice of all communities front and centre.

Agenda (subject to change and in AEDT)

12.45 pm Arrival and registration 

1.15 pm Acknowledgement of country and introductions 

• Susan Moylan Coombs, Founding Director, Gaimaragal Group 

• David Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer, Community Council for Australia 

• Linh Do, Director, Wattle Fellowship, University of Melbourne 

1.30 pm Keynote address: What is a climate COP? Howard Bamsey, Honorary Professor, Australian National University 

1.50 pm Keynote speakers 

Briefing on COP 28 and update COP 31 bid TBC Representative from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)  

Bringing the First Nations voice into COP Justin Mohamed, Ambassador for First Nations People, DFAT 

2.10 pm Pacific perspectives (online) 

• Kushaal Raj, Technical Advisor COP 28, Fiji Government & Pacific Policy Director, Conservation International 

• Alfred Ralifo, Senior Policy and Government Affairs Manager, WWF-Pacific 

2.30 pm Panel – Unlocking climate transformation in Australia and the Pacific: Shaping the potential of COP 31 

• Moderator: Susan Moylan Coombs, Founding Director, Gaimaragal Group 

• Frances Reupena, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment, Samoa  

• Luke Brown, Head of Engagement & Partnerships, Climateworks Centre 

• Kavita Naidu, Senior Strategist, Climate Action Network Australia

• Mal Fruean, Chair, NSW Council for Pacific Communities 

• Nishtha Aggarwal, Financed Emissions Analyst, Climate Energy Finance