Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji has reiterated the country’s commitment to a Pacific-focused Conference of the Parties (COP), amidst shifting negotiations that now suggest the region may not host COP31. The Prime Minister emphasized Fiji’s support for Australia’s bid to host the event, highlighting the need to bring global attention to the climate challenges faced by Pacific communities. The call for a Pacific COP has long been advocated by island nations, aiming to center the distinctive realities of frontline climate impacts in discussions.
Recent updates from Belem indicate that the prospect of hosting a COP in the Pacific is becoming less likely, prompting Prime Minister Rabuka to urge careful consideration of future steps. He believes it is essential to maintain the momentum generated by Pacific advocacy and may require strategic compromises to ensure regional priorities remain prominent on the global stage.
Rabuka referenced the statements from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Both leaders have proposed measures to protect Pacific interests should Turkiye’s bid to host the COP succeed.
Fiji has expressed support for initiatives that ensure significant Pacific representation leading up to COP31. This includes plans for a Leaders-level pre-COP meeting in the Pacific, a pledging event for the Pacific Resilience Facility, and encouraging both Australia and other Pacific nations to play key roles in negotiations.
The overarching goal for Fiji and the region is to continue advocating for urgent climate action that genuinely reflects the challenges faced in the Blue Pacific, where rising sea levels and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting communities and lives. With a focus on collaboration and a commitment to Pacific priorities, there remains hope that meaningful progress can be made in addressing climate change challenges in the region.