The Pacific Islands Forum is gearing up to host significant climate-related events in anticipation of COP31, as announced by Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Fiji will serve as the venue for the COP31 Pre-COP Meeting in October, complemented by a special Leaders event set to take place in Tuvalu.
These upcoming gatherings follow a dedicated climate meeting held during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau earlier this month. The timing coincides with a recent agreement between Australia and Türkiye, enabling the Pacific nations to take the lead in hosting essential climate discussions prior to the World Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye, scheduled for November.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized the importance of this opportunity for vulnerable Pacific nations to demonstrate climate leadership, urging global powers to pay attention to their needs and perspectives. The Palau Leaders Meeting is expected to unify the region’s climate stance, paving the way for a coordinated voice at the UN General Assembly, the Pre-COP, and COP31.
Acknowledging the support from Australia, Manele expressed confidence that the forum will work collaboratively with Palau, Fiji, and Tuvalu to ensure these significant events succeed, thereby showcasing the region’s longstanding commitment to climate action and resilience. This proactive approach offers hope for progress in global climate initiatives and highlights the crucial role of Pacific nations in shaping the conversation on this vital issue.