Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji has reaffirmed his country’s dedication to a Pacific-centered Conference of the Parties (COP), following recent indications that the region may not be the host for COP31. In light of these shifts in negotiations, Rabuka has expressed his support for Australia’s bid to host the event, emphasizing the importance of bringing global attention to the climate challenges faced by communities across the Pacific.
The call for a Pacific COP has been a longstanding demand from island nations, seeking to foreground the unique realities of climate impacts that the region experiences. However, recent developments from Belem suggest that the likelihood of a COP being held in the Pacific is decreasing. In response, Prime Minister Rabuka is advocating for careful analysis of the next steps to ensure that the momentum created by Pacific advocacy is not lost, which may require strategic compromises to keep regional issues at the forefront of international discussions.
Rabuka echoed sentiments expressed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Both leaders have proposed protective measures for Pacific interests in the event that Turkiye’s bid to host the COP has success.
Fiji has expressed support for initiatives that aim to guarantee substantial Pacific participation in the lead-up to COP31. This includes proposals for a pre-COP Leaders-level meeting in the Pacific, a pledging event for the Pacific Resilience Facility, and fostering collaboration among Australia and other Pacific nations to define a unified negotiating stance.
The ultimate objective for Fiji and its neighbors is to continue advocating for urgent climate action that accurately represents the adversities faced in the Blue Pacific. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are increasingly threatening communities and livelihoods. With a focus on collaboration and a commitment to Pacific priorities, there remains optimism that significant progress can be achieved in confronting climate change challenges in the region.