Fiji and Tuvalu will host major pre-COP meetings ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, positioning Pacific nations at the forefront of global climate negotiations and amplifying vulnerable states’ priorities.
The Pacific Islands Forum has announced details of major regional meetings that will take place ahead of the COP31 climate summit later this year, placing Pacific nations at the centre of preparations for the global negotiations.
Forum Chair Jeremiah Manele, who also serves as Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, said the main pre-COP meeting will be held in Fiji in October while a special leaders’ component will take place in Tuvalu.
“Pre-COP is a chance to show that when it comes to climate change, the most vulnerable nations can lead and the world’s most powerful nations can listen,” Manele said.
The meetings will follow a special climate event convened as part of the annual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September. Manele described the gathering as a “pivotal moment” for the region to consolidate its position and align expectations ahead of the global negotiations.
The preparatory meetings are expected to help shape priorities for the United Nations climate conference COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November.
After Australia and Pacific countries were narrowly beaten by Türkiye in the bid to host COP31, it was agreed that the Pacific region would host the pre-COP events leading up to the summit.
Manele thanked Australia for supporting the process and said regional partners were ready to work together to deliver the events successfully.
“The Forum Family stands ready to support the governments of Palau, Fiji and Tuvalu in their hosting responsibilities, recognising the deep experience that the region has in the COP climate process and the hosting of world-class events,” he said.
The decision to hold the meetings in the Pacific is expected to amplify the region’s priorities and strengthen international support for Pacific-led climate initiatives as small island nations continue to push for stronger global action on climate change.
