Australia welcomes decision to host pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu

Australia welcomes the Pacific Islands Forum announcement that Fiji and Tuvalu will bring the world to the Pacific as part of the pre-COP climate events to be held later this year.

Fiji will host the pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will have a special leaders' component – ensuring that Pacific priorities are front and centre in global climate negotiations, a critical priority for our region. In addition, Palau will host a special climate event as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. Pre-COP is expected to be held in October and will act as a springboard to launch outcomes in the annual UN climate conference.

It is an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific, to experience climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

Through Pre-COP and our Negotiations Presidency, Australia and the Pacific will play a critical role in COP31. Australia will also provide operational and logistical support for the Pacific event.

Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026.

Australia acknowledges the role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the PIF Troika and the PIF Secretariat for facilitating the Pre-COP decision-making process.

Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

"Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response.

"Hosting these COP meetings is an opportunity for the global community to hear directly from the people of the Pacific.

"Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to support a successful Pre-COP as part of our shared effort to address the climate challenge."

Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

"Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate.

"Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders' component in Tuvalu,  will bring a global focus to the most pressing challenges facing our region and support investment in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.

"Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region's profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security."

Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

"Pacific nations are bearing the brunt of the devastating effects of climate change but have contributed the least to it.

"Pre-COP will be an unprecedented opportunity for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses for the region.

"Hosting the Pre-COP and a leaders' event in the Blue Pacific is an opportunity for the region to work together on this critical issue and bring global attention to their leadership".