Enviro News Asia, Canberra – Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) that Fiji and Tuvalu will host key pre-COP climate events later this year, bringing global attention to Pacific climate priorities.
Under the arrangement, Fiji will host the formal pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will convene a special leaders’ component to ensure Pacific voices remain central in global climate negotiations. In addition, Palau will organize a dedicated climate event during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. The pre-COP meetings are expected to take place in October and will serve as a springboard for outcomes at the annual United Nations climate conference.
Australia described the decision as an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific region, allowing global stakeholders to witness firsthand both the impacts of climate change and the solutions being developed by Pacific nations. Through the pre-COP process and its Negotiations Presidency role, Australia and Pacific partners will play a significant part in shaping discussions at COP31.
Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026. Australia has committed to providing operational and logistical support for the Pacific pre-COP events.
Australia also acknowledged the leadership of the PIF Chair, Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, as well as the PIF Troika and Secretariat for facilitating the decision-making process.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stated that Pacific countries have long demonstrated leadership on climate action and emphasized that hosting pre-COP meetings would allow the global community to hear directly from Pacific communities. She affirmed Australia’s commitment to working closely with regional partners to ensure a successful outcome.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen noted that the Pacific region is on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing immediate and tangible impacts. He said the pre-COP meetings in Fiji, together with the leaders’ component in Tuvalu, would focus global attention on urgent regional challenges and help mobilize investment in locally appropriate solutions.
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy underscored that Pacific nations, despite contributing least to global emissions, are disproportionately affected by climate change. He described the pre-COP as an opportunity for the world to better understand the existential threat facing the region and to recognize Pacific leadership in advancing climate solutions.
The decision marks a significant step in elevating Pacific priorities within the global climate agenda and strengthening cooperation ahead of COP31. (*)
