Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya has told Parliament that pre-COP31 will showcase Pacific leadership and realities to the world, as preparations ramp up for the major climate meeting.
Updating Parliament, Tabuya said Fiji’s role as host is a chance to shift how the Pacific is seen in global climate talks.
“Pre-COP31 must tell a story not only of vulnerability but of Pacific stewardship, solutions, unity, and political clarity.”
She said bringing the meeting to Fiji will ensure global leaders see the region firsthand.
“No longer will our circumstances be a distant reality described in rooms thousands of miles away. Delegates will see and delegates will understand.”
The Pre-COP comes ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, with Fiji hosting the main preparatory meeting, Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ component and Australia supporting delivery under a broader partnership.
Tabuya said the Tuvalu segment will highlight the vulnerability of low-lying atoll nations, while Fiji will ensure Pacific voices, culture and priorities remain central to discussions.
To strengthen advocacy, three Pacific climate envoys have been appointed, including Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu as Pacific Ocean Envoy, alongside Kristina Stege of the Marshall Islands and Ruel Yamuna of Papua New Guinea.
She said the envoys will push Pacific priorities globally and work with the COP31 Presidency to shape an Action Agenda that reflects the region’s needs.
With more than a thousand participants expected, Tabuya confirmed preparations are well underway, with coordination across government, regional partners and agencies covering logistics, security, accreditation and communications.
She also announced a major step forward in climate data management with the launch of the Fiji Digital Climate Transparency Tool in Suva.
“For years, one of the most significant challenges in meeting our climate reporting obligations has been the production, coordination, and compilation of data,” the Minister stated.
“Collecting, validating, and compiling sectoral greenhouse gas activity data in a standardised, timely, and accurate manner has required enormous effort from our line ministries, our technical officers, and our development partners. We take a decisive step forward in making that process smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.”
The digital platform allows ministries to input and update emissions data in real time, improving reporting under international climate frameworks.
Tabuya described the system as a clear signal of Fiji’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“It demonstrates to the world that Fiji is serious about transparency. That we hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability. That we will continue to lead, to advocate, and to act for our people and for future generations.”
The tool was developed under the Fiji Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency Project, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Pacific Regional Director Sakiusa Tuisolia said the system will strengthen Fiji’s ability to meet its reporting obligations under global climate agreements.
The Ministry said it will continue working with partners to improve and integrate the platform, ensuring continuous data updates and stronger climate governance.
Tabuya reaffirmed that Fiji will use pre-COP31 to push for stronger global action while keeping Pacific priorities at the centre of negotiations.
