te a “Fossil Fuel Free Pacific” and agreed on new Pacific-tailored development pathways based on 100% renewable energy.

Vanuatu and Tuvalu hosted the 2nd Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition from Fossil Fuels in Port-Vila, Vanuatu, during a state of emergency after the country was hit by two severe cyclones and an earthquake in 48 hours.

Six Pacific countries – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, and the Solomon Islands – agreed on the “Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific” which cements the region’s leadership in the global phase out of fossil fuels, and exemplifies Pacific innovation in making the just transition to accessible renewable energy. 

The Pacific region has consistently led the world in climate ambition and the political will to transition away from climate-destroying fossil fuels. This includes Vanuatu’s push for an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice, the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and Tuvalu’s recent joining of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance as a core member.

All of this is despite almost no historical responsibility for the climate crisis and a constant battle on the frontlines of increasingly devastating climate impacts. 

But in order to make the transition swiftly and in a just and equitable manner, the Port Vila Call for a Just Transition also calls for expanded public and private finance for the just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy at the scale required, with innovative, simplified mechanisms and reforms of existing financial institutions.