The Fijian government has officially expressed its interest in hosting the upcoming pre-COP negotiations, a development that marks a significant step for Pacific leaders as discussions advance to the ministerial level. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, confirmed that the process is still in its preliminary phase and hinges on regional decision-making.
Dr. Michael stated that Fiji’s expression of interest was submitted through the Office of the Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of further consultations among Pacific ministers to clarify the next steps in the selection process for the host nation of the pre-COP. “All I can openly declare is that Fiji has submitted its expression of interest through the Office of the Prime Minister and we are awaiting the ministerial negotiations on which Pacific country will host the pre-COP,” he remarked.
This initiative follows a resolution made at the COP30 global climate talks, where it was decided that a Pacific island nation would host the pre-COP discussions. However, Dr. Michael highlighted that details concerning the host country and the meeting’s format will be collectively determined by regional leaders. “What those arrangements would look like will be only determined through the PIFS leadership process,” he added.
Pre-COP meetings play an essential role in the buildup to the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), as they help shape the negotiating stances and priorities before formal climate discussions commence. Hosting such important negotiations would not only place Fiji at the forefront of climate diplomacy but also amplify the voice of Pacific island nations in global climate discourse, fostering collaboration and proactive measures on climate issues that profoundly affect the region.