Sharing nearly 20% of Earth’s surface, the Pacific Islands experinces mounting growing challenges from Climate Change to digital disruption.

CROP and the 2050 Strategy brings 9 regional agencies together,  each with distinct mandates and expertise.

The 2050 Strategy envisions a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Pacific—recognizing the Blue Pacific as a shared heritage and strategic guardian of nearly 20% of Earth’s surface It is structured around seven thematic areas including governance, climate change, ocean health, economic development, people-centered development, security, and technology & connectivity—and includes a 2023–2030 Implementation Plan.

Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP)  is not a single agency but a high-level coordinating body across 9 agencies to make sure agencies work together, not in silos prevent duplication or policy gaps; and ensure Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) get coherent, effective technical and policy support at national, regional, and global levels.

These include the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), University of the South Pacific (USP), and others working across health, trade, energy, and technology.

Anchored in the 2050 Strategy – CROP’s role has taken on renewed importance under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific’s long-term roadmap to 2050.  The council meets formally twice a year at the CROP Heads Meetings, with additional thematic working group sessions in between with a mandate to Coordinated Pacific positions at global climate talks, ensuring alignment with the 1.5°C survival threshold; Provided unified policy advice to Forum Leaders on ocean governance and deep-sea mining; Streamlined technical assistance to smaller island states to avoid multiple agencies delivering overlapping projects; Supported the review of Pacific regional architecture to ensure governance structures remain fit for purpose.

Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has described CROP agencies as “vital to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy”, stressing that without their coordination, “regionalism risks becoming fragmented.”

CROP’s Agenda for COP31: A Pacific-Led Summit with Purpose

Elevating Pacific Voices on the Global Stage
CROP will prioritize ensuring that women, youth, and other often-marginalized Pacific voices are visibly represented and heard during COP31—both in formal negotiations and side events. Fiji’s Deputy PM highlighted how a home-based COP would offer leaders and communities the chance to personally demonstrate the Pacific’s lived reality and resilience.

Just, Fossil Fuel-Free Transition
Pacific nations demand that COP31 be authentic in driving a just transition away from coal, oil, and gas. From Vanuatu to Tuvalu, these voices are insisting that Australia back its climate leadership with tangible action: ending fossil fuel approvals, phasing out subsidies, and supporting regional energy transformation. The Port Vila Call, with its principles of a Fossil Fuel-Free Pacific under a just transition, will likely be a cornerstone reference.

 Setting a New Standard for COP Governance
CROP advocates for COP31 to break the mold—championing inclusive, transparent governance. Proposals include Establishing an independent oversight committee, Banning fossil fuel advertising at the conference, and Adopting Pacific-led sponsorship and programming frameworks.

Mobilising Climate Finance & Renewable Investment
Leaders are expected to leverage COP31 to unlock climate finance and private sector investment in renewable infrastructure across the Pacific. A big idea floating is making the region the world’s first 100% renewables zone, backed by derisked financing and capacity-building support.

Innovation in COP Format and Sectoral Inclusion
Through the COP31 Universities Alliance, CROP will also drive new models for conference delivery—expanding beyond classic formats to ensure debates are more sustainable, inclusive, and informed by regional knowledges and evidence-based science to form solid policies.

Climate Change in the Pacific Islands affects all of us globally.

Relevant Past FNGN articles:

•  AUSTRALIA: THE (Pacific) LOSS & DAMAGE FUND DISAPPEARED OFF THE RADAR. WHY? here>>>
• COP 31 Australia – Pacific Islands partnership bid. “If Australia wants to host COP31 with us, it must uphold the trust we placed in it by permanently rejecting this project,” said, Tuvalu’s Minister for Climate Change, Maina Talia.
• While the COP31/2026 Host Announcement Countdown is Eminent Is Australia’s 2070 Extension of NW Shelf Gas Project the Linchpin? here >>>