Portugal Hosts Key Dialogue on Climate Security in the Pacific Ahead of COP31
The Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations hosted a high-level event titled “Climate Security in the Pacific: Connecting Regional Outcomes to Global Processes”, bridging regional discussions to international processes and bringing renewed attention to the intersection of climate change, peace and security in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Held on the margins of the Berlin Climate and Security Conference in New York (BSCS), the event was co-organized by the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), with the support of Australia and the co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security. The session gathered representatives from governments, international organizations and the UN system to reflect on Pacific perspectives and how they can better inform global policy processes in the context of climate, peace and security.
These discussions come at a critical moment where climate change is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental challenge but also as a key driver of instability, affecting governance systems, livelihoods and infrastructures. In the Pacific, these risks are particularly acute, with climate-related hazards compounding existing vulnerabilities and threatening essential systems such as connectivity, transport and communications.
Participants emphasized the importance of elevating Pacific priorities in the lead-up to COP31 on Climate Change, ensuring that regional experiences and solutions are meaningfully reflected in global discussions. The event also highlighted the conclusions of the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit, held in Porto in February, and its key recommendations to address the protection of critical infrastructure – in the context of climate risks.
By bridging regional insights with multilateral discussions, the initiative reinforced the urgency of translating growing global awareness into concrete support and action on the ground. It also underscored Portugal’s commitment to fostering dialogue and partnership on climate, peace and security, particularly by amplifying the voices of those most exposed to its impacts.
