Australia is committed to ambitious and practical climate action. We’re taking meaningful action at home, in partnership with the Pacific, Southeast Asia and globally.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice to Government on international climate issues to advance our foreign policy, economic and development interests internationally. DFAT supports international cooperation on climate change action, including through integrating climate change across the development assistance program.
The Good Practice Note provides guidance for Implementing Partners on Australia’s key climate change commitments under Australia’s International Development Policy and how to integrate climate change considerations into development assistance either by mainstreaming or via a primary or secondary climate change related objective.
The Ambassador for Climate Change, Mr Will Nankervis, leads Australia’s international climate diplomacy, with a focus on engaging with the Pacific and Southeast Asia. The Ambassador for Climate Change can be followed on X.
Climate Diplomacy
DFAT promotes Australia’s climate standing and interests and undertakes climate diplomacy through multiple channels.
Since 2024-25, DFAT’s climate public diplomacy program has funded over 21 activities across more than 32 locations highlighting four major themes: Australia’s renewable energy superpower ambitions, Pacific Partnerships, Climate Finance, and Trade for Sustainable growth.
DFAT has a network of climate diplomacy staff in key regions to support uplift of climate capability across the global diplomatic network.
Our engagement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP)
The UNFCCC COP is the main event in the annual calendar of climate change meetings. Countries meet annually to assess global efforts in achieving the objectives set out in the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) leads Australia’s engagement in the UNFCCC. DFAT leads on climate diplomacy and foreign policy at COP, as well as logistical organisation of Australia’s delegation through the relevant host country diplomatic mission.
Australia will be President of Negotiations for COP31
COP31 will be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, and Australia will be President of Negotiations. This involves presiding over the COP31 negotiations at the summit and will give Australia the ability to shape the agenda throughout 2026. The Pacific, with Australia’s support, will host the Pre-COP meeting, including a Leaders’ element, in a Pacific island country.
COP 30
COP30 was the 30th annual meeting. It was held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025.
As it has done each year, DFAT sent an official delegation to support Australia’s representation.
- DFAT’s core role at COP30 was to:
- Protect foreign policy equities in negotiations
- Engage in the COP Action Agenda
- Engage with Pacific Delegations
- Logistics and consular support through the Australian Embassy in Brasilia.
For information on Australia's engagement in the UNFCCC and events in the lead-up to annual climate change meetings, please visit the Stakeholder Engagement Hub.
- Learn more about Australia’s role at COP30
- Find updates from the COP30 Presidency on the official COP30 website.
Previous COPs
• Learn more about Australia’s engagement at UNFCCC COPs
Australia’s international and domestic climate action
DFAT works closely across the Australian Government to ensure our international and domestic climate action are aligned. Visit their websites to read more on their climate change policies and activities.
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Department of Home Affairs' Emergency Management
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- National Emergency Management Agency
- Bureau of Meteorology
- Australia's National Science Agency (CSIRO)
- Australian Renewable Energy Agency
- National Water Grid Authority
- Clean Energy Regulator
- Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
- Net Zero Economy Authority
- Australian Energy Market Operator