By Pita Ligaiula
Tuvalu has urged countries heading to COP31 in Türkiye to move beyond negotiations and procedural disputes and make firm commitments to act now on the climate crisis.
Tuvalu Climate Change Minister Dr Maina Vakafua Talia made the call at the closing ceremony of Fiji’s hosting of the Pacific Pre-COP31, following leaders’ discussions in Tuvalu and Fiji.
“We must ensure that COP31 is not another session of procedural discussion and decision-making and fight over agendas.
“We must stand ready to make firm commitments to take action now,.” Talia said.
Talia said the Taku Pakasoa Declaration, meaning “Strength and Unity”, brought Pacific and partner countries together around shared concerns and a call for stronger climate action.
The declaration was endorsed following the leaders’ visit to Tuvalu and reflects the experience of communities on the front lines of climate change.
“Grounded in their experience in Tuvalu, the declaration brings our voices together in unity, resilience and power as a call to action to address our shared challenges, protect our cultures and build our shared future,” Talia said.
He said the declaration reaffirmed the importance of climate science, including the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in guiding decisions under the UN climate process.
Talia invited other countries to associate themselves with the declaration ahead of COP31.
“Join with us to advance global climate action and implementation to secure a better future for generations to come,” he said.
The declaration also recognises the role of youth, Indigenous peoples and local communities in climate decision-making and action, as well as the interests of future generations.
Talia said it highlighted the accelerating threats from ocean warming, ocean acidification and sea-level rise, including the impacts of melting glaciers and ice sheets.
He said the declaration represented a continued commitment to climate action and called on the international community to stand with countries facing the greatest climate risks.
“Overall, the declaration represents unwavering commitment to continue to act on climate change and to call on the world to unite behind those on the front lines of the climate crisis,” Talia said.
Talia thanked Australia and Fiji for working with Tuvalu to deliver the Pre-COP31 programme and the leaders’ visit to Tuvalu.
He also thanked the countries involved in drafting and supporting the Taku Pakasoa Declaration and those that had signed onto it.
Looking ahead to COP31, Talia wished Türkiye and Australia success in bringing countries together for the climate conference.
He said the Pacific could not afford another round of climate negotiations that failed to produce concrete action.
“Vulnerable countries like Tuvalu and Fiji and other Pacific countries and those who are most vulnerable to the issue of climate change have much to lose from inaction,” Talia said.
He called for accelerated action to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.
The Pacific Pre-COP31 concluded in Fiji after leaders spent a day and a half in Tuvalu examining the impacts of climate change and visiting adaptation projects before continuing their discussions in Denarau.
