Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, attended the conference entitled “COP31: Portugal’s Perspective”, held at the Australian Embassy in Lisbon on 6 November 2026, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic community and other participants to discuss international climate priorities ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.
The conference featured addresses by H.E. Dr Helen Cheney, Ambassador of Australia to Portugal, and H.E. Haldun Koç, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Portugal. The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portugal’s Minister for Environment and Energy, who outlined Portugal’s perspectives and priorities concerning international climate action.
COP31 and Pacific Island Nations
COP31 is being held under the Presidency of Türkiye, with Australia serving as President of Negotiations in close partnership with Pacific island countries. This arrangement provides an important opportunity to advance the priorities of Pacific nations, particularly those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The Kingdom of Tonga is represented at COP31 by a high-level delegation led by Lord Fakafanua, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, reflecting the importance attached by the Tongan Government to international climate negotiations and the protection of Pacific island nations.
Tonga’s priorities include stronger international climate action, improved access to climate finance, greater recognition of the relationship between oceans and climate change, and increased support for vulnerable communities.
Tonga’s Climate and Ocean Priorities
For the Kingdom of Tonga, climate change remains one of the country’s most pressing national and regional challenges. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, increasingly severe tropical cyclones and threats to marine ecosystems present significant risks to communities, infrastructure, food security and economic development.
As a Pacific island nation with an exclusive economic zone extending over approximately 700,000 square kilometres, Tonga attaches particular importance to ocean protection, sustainable marine resources, climate resilience and improved access to international climate finance.
The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges, including climate adaptation, renewable energy, ocean conservation and the mobilisation of financial resources to support vulnerable countries.
Tonga–Portugal Cooperation
Portugal and Tonga, both maritime nations, share important interests in the sustainable management of ocean resources, marine biodiversity and the development of resilient coastal communities. These common priorities offer opportunities for closer dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the fields of ocean governance, the blue economy and climate resilience.
The Consulate-General welcomed the opportunity to participate in the conference and to engage with representatives of Australia, Türkiye, Portugal and the wider diplomatic community on issues of particular importance to Tonga and the Pacific region.
Official Social Media
Australian Embassy in Portugal – Instagram: @ausembpt
Hashtags
#COP31 #Tonga #Portugal #Australia #ClimateAction
