Fiji, Palau, and Tuvalu are preparing to welcome global leaders and climate change ministers as part of the lead-up to COP31, with a goal of pushing larger nations to enhance their emission reduction commitments. This initiative arises from a complex arrangement established last year, which designated Türkiye as the primary host for the climate summit, while also ensuring that Australia’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen plays a significant role in international climate negotiations.
Australia and the Pacific Island nations see this as a critical moment to bring attention to the Pacific’s ongoing battle against climate change. Although discussions over the hosting of pre-summit events have been lengthy, Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced that regional leaders are close to an agreement that will solidify the involvement of Palau, Fiji, and Tuvalu ahead of COP31.
Palau is already poised to host the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in early September, where Whipps intends to invite global leaders to a high-level climate summit around the same timeframe. He highlighted the importance of the Palau climate meeting, describing it as a crucial “launching board” to generate momentum for the COP climate negotiations later in the year. The primary focus will be on encouraging global leaders to support Pacific nations in transitioning to renewable energy and enhancing their infrastructure to withstand climate-related challenges.
The PIF will prioritize initiatives aimed at achieving 100 percent renewable energy, addressing the connection between the ocean and climate issues, and accelerating investments in climate resilience projects. With the anticipated presence of prominent leaders, Whipps expects a significant amplification of the message surrounding these urgent subjects.
Fiji is scheduled to hold the traditional pre-COP meeting with climate change ministers in October, which may include a visit to Tuvalu, a nation particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and a strong advocate for Pacific climate issues. Minister Bowen indicated that discussions regarding these pre-COP events are nearing closure, with an announcement on the arrangements expected soon. He emphasized the importance of bringing senior climate ministers to the Pacific to see the direct impacts of climate change.
Additionally, Whipps has invited U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the PIF leaders’ meeting, expressing hope that at least one of them will attend. Being one of the Compact of Free Association states, Palau benefits from significant U.S. funding in return for military access.
This collaborative regional effort not only highlights the critical role of the Pacific Islands in the global climate dialogue but also reflects a shared ambition to inspire international action against climate change, fostering optimism that meaningful commitments will arise from these crucial discussions.