CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — February 3, 2026 — H.E. President Hilda C. Heine met with the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, in Canberra during her Official State Visit to Australia, to advance discussions on climate leadership, regional priorities, and strengthened cooperation between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Australia.
President Heine congratulated Australia on securing the presidency of the Pre-COP31 negotiations, noting its importance in elevating Pacific priorities and mobilizing international attention and investment to advance climate action. She emphasized the need for a strong and independent Pacific voice in the lead-up to COP and underscored the shared goal of advancing a fossil-free, 100 percent renewable Pacific.
Discussions focused on the importance of collective action to strengthen nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans, climate finance, and the global transition away from fossil fuels.
President Heine also highlighted opportunities to collaborate through the Marshall Islands Resilience and Adaptation Trust Fund, a country-owned mechanism to support long-term climate resilience and implementation of the Marshall Islands’ National Adaptation Plan. She further invited Australia to support renewable energy initiatives, including efforts to expand reliable solar power to outer-island communities to strengthen livelihoods, essential services, and climate resilience.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Australia to work closely to address the climate crisis and strengthen Pacific-led solutions. President Heine expressed appreciation for Australia’s ongoing support and looked forward to continued collaboration, including welcoming Minister Bowen to the Marshall Islands in the future.
