100 organisations, including Amnesty International Australia and Amnesty International Türkiye, have released a joint statement ahead of COP31, calling for ambitious and inclusive climate leadership.
The partnership of Türkiye, Australia and the Pacific in 2026 represents a unique opportunity for these governments to drive ambitious global action to phase out fossil fuels. This phase out will protect people from the harms climate change is causing – and which are being driven by oil, coal and gas companies.
Türkiye and Australia are highly fossil fuel-dependent economies that have committed to working towards a cleaner future. Australia is one of the worlds largest exporters of fossil fuels, and the second-largest exporter of fossil fuel CO₂ emission, making Australia as significant contributor to climate change. The Pacific is on the front lines of the climate crisis and has a long history of climate leadership.
By drawing on each other’s strengths — and with an ambitious vision backed by determined diplomacy — this partnership can deliver the breakthroughs the moment demands.
COP is the world’s largest climate conference, and an opportunity to is find global solutions and drive commitments to ambitious climate action. As Presidents, we urge the governments of Türkiye and Australia to lead by example. We call on Australia to:
– Commit to a fair, fast and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels, including phasing out coal and gas exports with an immediate end to new projects, reducing fossil fuel demand, protecting land rights and securing economic futures for First Nations communities.
– Build regional energy security with Australia’s major energy trade partners by making a clear strategic shift from fossil fuel exports to renewable energy.
– Make an ambitious international climate finance commitment of AUD$11bn with dedicated funding for loss and damage, adaptation and just transitions.
– Support the vision of the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, centering the 1.5°C imperative under the Paris Agreement, reinforced through the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change.
This year’s COP31 must focus on ensuring states meet the obligations clarified by the International Court of Justice in its landmark 2025 advisory opinion on climate change.
It must show to the world that this process is about action, not just words.
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