PACT researcher named COP 31 Pacific Envoy for Access to Climate Finance
22 June 2026
Pacific Island nations are among the world’s most climate-vulnerable, yet they struggle to access the finance needed for recovery, adaptation, mitigation and long-term resilience.
PACT PhD candidate Ruel Yamuna is heading to COP 31 with a Pacific-endorsed ministerial mandate that could help turn the tide.
Ruel Yamuna will attend COP31 in a high-level new role.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, has named Ruel Yamuna the COP 31 Pacific Envoy for Access to Climate Finance, to be held in Antalya, Türkiye from 9-20 November, 2026.
The role will see Mr Yamuna work to improve access to climate finance for Pacific countries, strengthen their representation in multilateral climate funds, and help with capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility among other key areas. This will ensure funding is mobilised and reaches communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
“COP 31 is an opportunity to turn commitment into capital, so finance reaches the frontline,” Mr Yamuna said.
“The Pacific must be at the centre, not the margins of the global decision-making.”
Mr Yamuna, who is Papua New Guinea’s Special Envoy for Climate and Environment and a former Alternate Board Member of the Green Climate Fund, said he was humbled to be appointed alongside his fellow distinguished Pacific Envoys.
“The opportunity to serve at that level was made possible with the support and endorsement of my government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Climate Change Development Authority in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“I will endeavour to do my best to serve under the Turkiye - Australia COP 31 partnership to deliver a positive outcome.”
The appointment comes at a critical time for Pacific nations, which face disproportionate climate risks and ongoing barriers to securing climate finance. A special Pre-COP meeting will be hosted in the Pacific to showcase the urgency and plight of the climate vulnerable communities.
“Faster, fairer access to climate finance is essential to ambition and, importantly, implementation,” he said.
“Pacific countries, and all SIDS, need finance that is accessible, predictable, and fit for purpose - especially for adaptation, resilience and loss and damage.”
PACT Director, Professor Paul Dargusch, welcomed the appointment, saying it was an important platform for Pacific engagement in global climate finance discussions and a timely opportunity to strengthen the region’s voice in international decision-making.
“This is a high-profile role for COP31 and for advocating for more effective climate finance outcomes in the Pacific,” Professor Dargusch said.
“We are proud of Ruel's appointment and look forward to seeing how his work contributes to stronger climate finance outcomes in the Pacific, while also supporting PACT's ongoing impact in the region.”
Mr Yamuna said the appointment would also support his research which focuses on accessing climate finance in the Pacific.
“I believe with the ongoing world-class education provided by Monash, my research focus is aligned and enables me to make a positive contribution to the work that is to come in the coming months,” he said.
“The Pacific is a global leader in solutions, and I am happy to be a part of this journey to not only share the Pacific story but assist in restoring God’s creation.”