Often for people living in remote villages, international meetings such as COP31 can sometimes seem distant or unrelated to their daily lives, but storytelling can help bridge the gap says cameraman and editor from Papua New Guinea Wari Ila.
The National Broadcasting Corporation 52-year-old stalwart is part of the Pacific cohort to attend the Pre-COP meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu, ahead of the UNFCCC 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9-20, 2026.
He joins four Pacific media professionals – including Varia Pekuku Omoa from EM TV, Riya Bhagwan from Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alex Dadamu – to complete the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Pre-COP and COP31 Media Programme, led by Tia Soakai, Pasifika TV Regional Content Manager.
The cohort collectively covered Pacific Climate Change Week, from September 28 to October 2 in Fiji, followed by Pre-COP31 from October 5-8, culminating in COP31.
The power of communication
Wari says communication is one of the most powerful tools for creating awareness and understanding.
“As a cameraman and video editor, I believe storytelling can help bridge that gap, and by documenting real experiences and presenting them in simple, compelling and relatable ways, we can show communities how climate change is already affecting their environment, livelihoods and future,” Wari says.
“Both Pre-COP and COP31 provide opportunities to learn, share experiences and bring these important messages back to our communities.”
As a media professional, Wari is conscious of being able to use his skills in storytelling, filming and editing to bring greater awareness to the realities of climate change, while sharing the stories of Pacific people who are experiencing its effects, firsthand.
“I hope to learn more about practical ways to help Pacific communities respond to climate change, including adaptation and resilience measures,” he adds.
“I am also interested in understanding how climate finance and other forms of support can reach countries and communities already experiencing the impacts of climate change.
“My main goal is to strengthen climate-change awareness through powerful, accurate and people-centred storytelling and to return to PNG with greater knowledge, new perspectives and stronger connections that can help me produce stories which inform Pacific communities and encourage meaningful action on climate change.”
Maintaining a presence
It is important for Pacific people to have a strong presence and voice at international climate meetings as the region is already experiencing significant climate-related challenges, he says.
“Our experiences and stories should help inform the wider international conversation about the realities facing Pacific island nations.
“Climate change is a global issue, but its impacts are deeply felt in the Pacific, and we must prepare our communities, strengthen awareness and take practical measures to protect lives, livelihoods and the future of our people.”
Visit Pasifika TV’s website and social media platforms for Pre-COP and COP31 coverage.