Australian, Fijian and Tuvaluan delegations have met in Palau to advance preparations for a Pacific-hosted series of climate meetings ahead of COP31.
The talks took place during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where regional governments are working to establish a common position before the pre-COP events in October.
Fiji’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Lynda Tabuya, said the Palau meeting would provide an opportunity for Pacific leaders to draft a declaration to present at the pre-COP.
Fiji will host the main Pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi from October 5 to 8, while Tuvalu will stage a special leaders’ component. Australia is supporting the process as part of its partnership with the Pacific and its role as president of negotiations for COP31.
Fiji is expecting about 3,000 participants in Nadi, including government delegations, climate ministers, civil society groups and development partners from around the world.
Ms Tabuya said some international leaders had already confirmed their participation in the Tuvalu event, with representatives from the Caribbean and Europe expected to attend. Japan’s prime minister was among those Fiji hoped would take part, although attendance had not been confirmed.
The discussions are expected to centre on efforts to keep the 1.5C temperature goal within reach, improve access to climate finance and strengthen international action to protect the Pacific Ocean.
Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the Fiji meeting would help shape priorities for COP31 and showcase solutions developed in the Pacific. The UN climate conference will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.
