No concerns raised over pre-COP31 attendance, says ministry

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says it has not been informed of any concerns over reports that Australia is struggling to secure world leaders' attendance for the pre-COP31 climate meeting in Nadi this October.

Permanent Secretary Sivendra Michael made the comments yesterday following Australian media reports, including by the ABC and The Australian, claiming Canberra had yet to confirm the attendance of non-Pacific heads of state or government for the meeting, which Australia is hosting in Fiji.

"No such concerns have been registered with us," Mr Michael said.

He said the Ministry had been working closely with Australia and other stakeholders in the lead-up to the event.

"We have been working so hard to host the pre-COP," he said, adding that weekly planning meetings were being held to prepare for the gathering.

This newspaper understands the Ministry has been meeting regularly with Australian officials and other stakeholders, and from its perspective, preparations remain on track.

Questions sent to the Australian High Commission regarding the reported attendance concerns had not been answered when this edition went to press. This newspaper understands that queries referred to Canberra were also awaiting a response.

Questions sent to Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya also remained unanswered at the time of publication.

The pre-COP31 meeting is scheduled to be held in Nadi in October.