The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, has announced that the Pacific will host key lead-up events to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), marking a significant milestone for the region’s climate diplomacy.
In a statement, Prime Minister Manele confirmed that “following a political consultative process, the COP31 Pre-COP Meeting will be convened in Fiji in October 2026, with a special Leaders component to be held in Tuvalu.”
He added that the meeting “will build on a special climate event to be convened as part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September.”
The Forum Chair said the announcement follows an agreement reached last year between Australia and Türkiye for the Pacific to host pre-COP events ahead of the global summit.
“The Forum Family welcomes the agreement between Australia and Türkiye last year that the Pacific would host Pre-COP and a special leaders’ event, ahead of the World Leaders’ Summit in November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye,” he said.
Pre-COP meetings serve as critical platforms for countries to align priorities and build consensus before formal climate negotiations begin. Prime Minister Manele underscored the significance of the Pacific’s role in this process.
“Pre-COP is a chance to show that when it comes to climate change, the most vulnerable nations can lead, and the world’s most powerful nations can listen,” he said.
The region’s political engagement will begin in earnest at the upcoming leaders’ meeting in Palau, which Manele described as a decisive moment for regional unity.
“The Leaders Meeting in Palau will be the pivotal moment for the region to consolidate its position and align partnership expectations. From this foundation, coordinated advocacy will carry through UNGA 81 and Pre-COP 31 engagements, culminating in the delivery of an impactful Pacific presence at COP 31,” he stated.
Prime Minister Manele also acknowledged the support of Australia in facilitating the process and reaffirmed the region’s readiness to deliver high-level climate events.
“I thank the Government of Australia for their support to the region through this process. The Forum Family stands ready to support the Governments of Palau, Fiji, Tuvalu in their hosting responsibilities, recognising the deep experience that the region has in the COP climate process and the hosting of world class events,” he said.
