By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Most Pacific Islands Forum leaders are expected to attend the pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji despite competing international commitments, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa says.
Waqa told Pacific journalists in Palau that Pacific leaders were working to support arrangements for the Australia-Pacific COP process involving Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu.
“Yes, I think our leaders are very much on board on the arrangements with Australia and with Fiji and Tuvalu. They’re wanting to help.”
“The set-up of this COP is a bit different, as you know. Australia has taken it on themselves to arrange an Australia-Pacific COP arrangement, which is a bit different to the normal ones that we’ve been having. So, there is still preparation going on.”
Waqa said Pacific leaders were also engaging international partners to participate in the pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu.
“But the good thing you need to know is that all our leaders in the region are working extremely hard to keep engaging their partners and all others to come and participate in our pre-COP meetings in Fiji as well as Tuvalu.”
Asked about participation from leaders outside the Pacific, Waqa said discussions were continuing to secure high-level attendance.
“Yes. We know that it is a very busy period for everyone, our leaders especially with UNGA coming up. And there are other meetings as well that they’re engaged in or committed to participate in, and one of it is the pre-COP.”
“So, at this moment, there’s discussions going on and making sure that others from outside are invited.”
Waqa said some leaders from outside the region had already indicated they would attend.
“And there are others who have – from outside the region who will be coming. We would love to see participants’ participation at the highest level. But of course, as I said, it’s a very busy period for all our leaders.”
He said there would nevertheless be active participation at the pre-COP.
