Dexter Prequel Axed Despite Renewal Buzz

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Australia has received formal backing from Pacific Island nations in its bid to host the 31st United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP31) in 2026, a move that underscores Canberra’s growing influence in regional diplomacy.

The endorsement was confirmed at the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting, where foreign ministers issued a joint statement of support. Officials described the decision as an opportunity for the Pacific community to present a united front on the global stage while reinforcing the region’s collective identity.

Diplomatic observers view the PIF’s decision as a significant boost to Australia’s campaign. Hosting COP31 would mark one of the largest international gatherings ever staged in the region, with the event typically drawing tens of thousands of delegates, including heads of state, business leaders, and civil society groups. Beyond the summit itself, the support reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation in the Pacific.

Australia’s foreign policy in recent years has placed greater emphasis on strengthening ties across the Pacific, with initiatives spanning development, trade, and security. Analysts note that the backing from PIF partners represents both recognition of these efforts and an expectation that Canberra will continue to play a leading role in regional affairs.

Leaders at the forum stressed that the hosting bid should be viewed not only as Australia’s initiative but as a regional undertaking. They highlighted the creation of mechanisms such as the Pacific Resilience Facility as examples of how shared projects can strengthen unity and bolster the region’s standing internationally.

If successful, Australia would join a select group of nations entrusted with organizing a COP summit, a responsibility often regarded as both a logistical and diplomatic achievement. Officials in Canberra see the bid as an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s reliability as a partner and its ability to convene diverse international actors.

Foreign policy experts argue that securing the summit would enhance Australia’s position in multilateral forums while also drawing attention to the Pacific as a strategically important region. Smaller island nations, meanwhile, would gain visibility on the world stage by aligning their voices with Australia during the summit.

While the outcome ultimately rests with the United Nations selection process, the PIF’s joint endorsement gives Australia a clear advantage as the campaign advances. By highlighting partnership and regional solidarity, the bid reflects the diplomatic momentum Canberra has built across its Pacific network.For Australia, hosting COP31 would represent more than just a global event. It would serve as a platform to demonstrate its leadership credentials, reinforce its regional ties, and project influence within the broader international community. For the Pacific, it offers a chance to share the spotlight alongside Australia and signal unity in a period of growing global attention.