Fiji becomes the hub of climate action in the next two weeks as Leaders, Government officials, negotiators and delegates from the Pacific and all over the world descend upon Nadi.
They are gathering for a series of meetings to ensure the survival of Pacific communities against the harmful impacts of climate change.
The first of the meetings is the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) pre-COP31 meeting from 30 September – 02 October at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.
Facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with support from Climate Analytics and OneCROP, the meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the Pacific’s thematic priorities, share knowledge, lessons and track how issues have advanced since COP30 in Belem, Brazil, last year.
SPREP Director of Climate Change Resilience, Tagaloa Cooper welcomed all the delegates who are in Nadi.
She noted that for SPREP as coordinator of Pacific climate change action to lead work on enhancing Pacific engagement in international climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC, the discussion over the next few days is critical.
“COP31 in Türkiye will be a defining moment for humanity, and for the survival of our Pacific communities,” she said.
“The work we are here to do in Nadi for the Pacific SIDS pre-COP31 to be followed by the UNFCCC pre-COP31 is about our people and communities. This about our Survival.
“Our Voices matter, this is why this final preparatory meeting ahead of COP31 is critical to ensure our One Pacific Voice is strengthened, coordinated, supported and is heard on the global stage where key decisions are made.”
The PSIDS pre-COP31 will be followed by the UNFCCC pre-COP31 from 05-08 October, where Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu are partnering with the UNFCCC to deliver the official pre-COP31 Ministerial meeting and Leaders’ event.
These events will bring global climate decision-makers to the Pacific ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, providing an opportunity to build momentum for negotiations while showcasing Pacific leadership, perspectives and climate action.
Hosting the pre-COP in Fiji places the Pacific at the centre of global climate diplomacy. It gives participating countries the opportunity to hear directly from Pacific representatives, engage with Pacific-led solutions and keep the region’s priorities front of mind before COP31.
Fiji Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, speaking at UNGA recently, said global climate negotiations must now deliver practical results for communities on the front line of climate impacts.
“For Fiji, climate action must mean safer homes, stronger roads and infrastructure, protected coastlines, secure water and livelihoods, and communities better prepared for stronger climate impacts,” she said. “Our people cannot live on climate promises. They need climate action they can see and feel in their communities.”
Tuvalu will host leaders and representatives from across the globe for a special high-level segment of the pre-COP31.
Leaders and their representatives will witness firsthand the impact of climate change and adaptation solutions on the atoll nation of Tuvalu, one of the countries most exposed to the accelerating effects of climate change.
In Fiji, Leaders will convene for a pre-COP31 plenary. These events in Fiji and Tuvalu will profile critical climate priorities for Small Island Developing States and the leadership of the Pacific with broad resonance to the global community.
The 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 09-20 November 2026.
