Fiji, Sept. 4 -- Pacific Islands Forum leaders have adopted a new Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action, committing to increase women's influence in climate decisions, strengthen gender-based climate data and ensure climate finance reaches women and communities on the frontline of the climate crisis.

The Pact, endorsed by Forum leaders at their 55th meeting in Palau, sets out a regional commitment to gender-responsive climate action as Pacific countries prepare for pre-COP31 meetings and the COP31 climate conference.

Leaders said the Pact would support the effective implementation of the Belem Gender Action Plan while recognising the different priorities, capacities and circumstances of Forum Island members.

The agreement focuses o...