Australia backs Fiji, Tuvalu to host pre-COP climate events

Australia has welcomed the Pacific Islands Forum decision for Fiji and Tuvalu to host key pre-COP climate events later this year, saying it will help place Pacific priorities at the centre of global negotiations.

Under the arrangement, Fiji will host the pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will hold a special leaders’ component. Palau will also host a special climate event during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August.

Pre-COP is expected to take place in October and will serve as a lead-in to the annual United Nations climate conference.

Australia said the move was an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific to witness climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

Through Pre-COP and its Negotiations Presidency, Australia and Pacific nations are expected to play a critical role at COP31. Australia will also provide operational and logistical support for the Pacific event.

Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026.

Australia acknowledged the role of Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the PIF Troika and the PIF Secretariat in facilitating the decision.

Ministerial comments

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Pacific voices were central to the global climate response.

"Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response.

"Hosting these COP meetings is an opportunity for the global community to hear directly from the people of the Pacific.

"Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to support a successful Pre-COP as part of our shared effort to address the climate challenge."

Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the region was already experiencing the impacts of climate change.

"Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate.

"Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders' component in Tuvalu, will bring a global focus to the most pressing challenges facing our region and support investment in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.

"Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region's profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security."

Australia's Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said Pacific nations were facing disproportionate impacts.

"Pacific nations are bearing the brunt of the devastating effects of climate change but have contributed the least to it.

"Pre-COP will be an unprecedented opportunity for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses for the region.

"Hosting the Pre-COP and a leaders' event in the Blue Pacific is an opportunity for the region to work together on this critical issue and bring global attention to their leadership".