Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
Today we announce the appointment of Mr Will Nankervis as Australia's next Ambassador for Climate Change.
Mr Nankervis' appointment underscores Australia's ongoing commitment to work with partners to drive action on climate change.
Mr Nankervis will play a leading role in Australia's international climate diplomacy, with a focus on engaging with the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
He will coordinate across the Australian Government on international climate issues, and advocate and engage internationally to advance our foreign policy, economic and development interests.
Mr Nankervis is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is also First Assistant Secretary, Climate Diplomacy and Development Finance Division.
He has previously served overseas as Ambassador of Australia to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Jakarta, and had earlier postings to the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York and Australian High Commission, Colombo.
Mr Nankervis will join efforts to secure Australia's bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific. The Government is committed to ensuring that our region's voices shape global climate action at COP31.
We thank former Ambassador for Climate Change Ms Kristin Tilley for her contribution to Australia's engagement on climate change issues internationally since 2022.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
"The Albanese Government is taking strong action on climate change at home, and we're engaging with international partners to drive collective action abroad - because no one country can solve these problems alone.
"Australia has listened to the Pacific's call for urgent climate action, and we will continue to advocate with the Pacific family on the world stage to address the climate emergency, including through our bid to host COP31 in partnership with them.
"Mr Nankervis will play a leading role in Australia's international climate engagement, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, to drive action and support the global energy transition."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"Australia is acting on climate because it's in our national interest. Global investment in clean energy projects has exceeded USD 2 trillion - we want to grow this, and Australia's share in it.
"Our bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific is about bringing the world's focus to our region. A region at the frontline of the climate crisis and with a long and impressive record of climate leadership."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:
"Pacific leaders have declared that climate change is the number one threat to the security of their people - and they are right.
"Pacific nations are experiencing some of the most serious effects of climate change, but have contributed the least to it. Nowhere is the value of listening clearer.
"Australia recognises our responsibility in addressing the climate crisis through our own clean energy transition, and by providing support for the Pacific."
