The Pacific Islands Forum is preparing for key climate-related events in advance of COP31, as announced by Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Fiji has been chosen as the host for the COP31 Pre-COP Meeting slated for October, alongside a special event for leaders that will occur in Tuvalu.
These upcoming events build on a focused climate meeting that took place during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau earlier this month. The meetings come on the heels of a recent agreement between Australia and Türkiye, which positions Pacific nations to spearhead crucial climate discussions before the World Leaders’ Summit set for November in Türkiye.
Prime Minister Manele highlighted the significance of these events for vulnerable Pacific nations, aiming to assert their climate leadership and drawing attention to their challenges and perspectives. The Palau Leaders Meeting seeks to unite the region’s climate viewpoint, establishing a coordinated voice for upcoming international engagements, including the UN General Assembly, the Pre-COP, and COP31.
Manele acknowledged Australia’s support and expressed optimism about collaborating with Palau, Fiji, and Tuvalu to make these events successful. This strategic approach not only underscores the Pacific nations’ dedication to climate action and resilience but also brings hope for tangible advancements in global climate initiatives, emphasizing their pivotal role in influencing the broader dialogue on this urgent matter.