COP31 outcome: What it means and why philanthropy’s support is vital

After dramatic final negotiations at COP30 in Belém, Türkiye will host COP31. Global negotiations will be led by Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, and a major Pre-COP meeting will be held in the Pacific. While it’s not the outcome our sector had hoped for, there’s still a powerful opportunity for Australia and the Pacific to shape the global climate agenda.  

This joint article from Groundswell, the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) and Philanthropy Australia, outlines what the outcome means and how philanthropy’s support matters in the year ahead.  

Australia still helps set the global agenda 

With Minister Bowen presiding over negotiations, Australia will help shape the direction of global climate action over the next 12 months. This influence comes with scrutiny. To lead credibly on the world stage, Australia needs to lift its ambitions at home, especially on fossil fuels. 

This creates a clear opportunity for civil society and philanthropy to help shape Australia’s mandate, ensuring it reflects science, justice and the priorities of the Pacific and First Nations communities. 

Claire O’Rourke, AEGN CEO, said: “COP31 has incredible potential to progress ambitious emissions reductions, accelerate the renewable economy, enhance nature-positive solutions, promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and back Pacific priorities – particularly on phasing out fossil fuels.  

“Our region has the opportunity to show the world what collective action looks like when it’s focused on the greatest challenge of our time.” 

A pivotal moment for the Pacific 

With the Pacific hosting Pre-COP, the region will shape the tone and priorities of COP31. This is a unique chance for Pacific voices to set expectations, demand accountability and guide ambition. And it places Australia’s partnership with the region under the global spotlight. 

Philanthropic supprt will help ensure Pacific civil society, youth networks and community leaders have the resources, coordination and strategic support they need to lead. 

Arielle Gamble, Co-founder and CEO of Groundswell, said that in preparation for the possibility of Australia hosting the main event, new relationships have been forged and cross-movement coordination has been strengthened. “The collaboration, strategy and momentum that have been built mean the climate movement is stronger now than ever before.” 

Elevating First Nations leadership 

Global attention will be on Australia throughout this process. This is a major opportunity to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and ensure First Nations knowledge and rights shape both domestic policy and Australia’s international position. 

With philanthropic support, First Nations advocates can participate fully. From strategic planning and community organising, to representing their communities on the world stage. 

Maree Sidey, Philanthropy Australia CEO said: “There is much that can be achieved and renewed philanthropic support is vital. Supporting the elevation of First Nations knowledge and leadership in the continuing preparations is an essential piece of the work ahead.” 

Movements need support now 

The most impactful work ahead of COP31 will happen long before anyone arrives in Türkiye. The next 6-12 months are where strategies are set, coalitions are built and narratives take shape, and Australia will play a major role in this 

Examples of our philanthropy can support these efforts include:  

• Rapid-response funding for advocacy opportunities 

• Strategic communications to shape public understanding 

• Travel and participation support for First Nations and delegates 

• Coalition-building and coordination across the sector 

• Backbone support for organisations holding the ecosystem together 

Pacific Islands Climate Action Network 

Groundswell’s recent Major Giving Circle decisions reflect exactly what this moment requires. Its $400,000 grant to the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) is already strengthening the coordination and strategy backbone for Pacific civil society ahead of Pre-COP. It’s unifying regional priorities, supporting delegates and elevating Pacific leadership.  

Arielle said: “Hosting the Pre-COP Leaders’ Summit will give Pacific voices a powerful role in shaping the tone and ambitions for COP31. Their diplomatic expertise and moral authority carry real weight and backing their leadership is one of the highest-leverage opportunities we have.” 

Moments like this reveal the real power of philanthropy – transforming a shift in diplomacy into tangible progress across communities, policy and international climate action. The decisions made in the next year will echo far beyond COP31, and your support can help shape that trajectory.  

If you’d like to learn more or explore where your support can make a difference in this space, please reach out to Arielle Gamble.  

Main image: L-R: Claire O’Rourke, Arielle Gamble and Maree Sidey.