Australia welcomes decision to hold pre-COP climate meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu

Australia has welcomed the Pacific Islands Forum announcement confirming that Fiji and Tuvalu will host key pre-COP climate events later this year, placing Pacific priorities at the centre of global climate negotiations.

Fiji will convene the official pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will stage a dedicated leaders’ component to ensure the region’s concerns are front and centre ahead of the annual UN climate conference. In addition, Palau will host a special climate event during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. The pre-COP is expected to take place in October, serving as a launchpad for outcomes at the main UN summit.

The initiative presents a rare opportunity for global leaders to witness firsthand the climate impacts and solutions emerging from the Pacific. Through the pre-COP process and its Negotiations Presidency, Australia — working alongside Pacific partners — will play a pivotal role in shaping COP31. Australia has also committed to providing operational and logistical support for the Pacific-hosted events.

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

Australia acknowledged the leadership of Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, along with the PIF Troika and Secretariat, for guiding the pre-COP decision-making process.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

“Pacific countries have long led on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response. “Hosting these COP meetings gives the international community the chance to hear directly from Pacific communities.

“Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to deliver a successful pre-COP as part of our shared commitment to tackling the climate crisis.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said:

“Our region stands on the frontline of the climate crisis, where impacts are immediate and undeniable. “Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders’ event in Tuvalu, will shine a global spotlight on the urgent challenges facing our region and help unlock investment in practical, Pacific-driven solutions.

“Leading COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will deepen our ties with our closest neighbours and elevate the region’s profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security.”

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy said:

“Pacific nations are experiencing the harshest impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. “Pre-COP offers an unprecedented platform for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses to the region.

“Hosting these events in the Blue Pacific underscores the region’s unity and leadership on one of the defining challenges of our time.”