At COP31 the Pacific establishes a new global norm, that Pacific stewardship of the ocean, spanning twenty-eight million square kilometres, should be recognised, valued and compensated, on Pacific terms. The Pacific stewards twenty-eight million square kilometres of ocean, twenty per cent of the worlds Exclusive Economic Zones and the largest natural capital endowment on the planet. At COP30, Brazil established that sovereign custodians of globally significant ecosystems should be recognised and compensated for their stewardship. At COP31, the Pacific completes that principle for the ocean. This side event showcases the Pacific Ocean Wide Ambition (POWA), a Pacific-owned and Pacific-governed framework for recognising, valuing and financing ocean stewardship on Pacific terms. Building on the proven Niue Ocean Wide model and scaling it region-wide, POWA turns marine conservation commitments into predictable, long-term investment that reaches countries and communities directly. Panellists from first mover countries alongside supporting CROP agencies to demonstrate a model already moving from ambition to implementation. The session positions the Pacific not as a recipient of assistance but as the architect of a new global norm for ocean-climate finance, replicable to other regions through the Oceans and Seas Action Agenda and the Global.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Hon. Inia Seruiratu, COP31 Pacific Ocean Envoy, Arthur Sokimi,  Pacific Regional Director, Centre for Sustainable Development Reform, UNSW, Coral Pasisi, NOW Trustee Vice President, Government of Samoa representative (tbc), Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (tbc)