Pacific at the Center of Climate Negotiations: Fiji and Tuvalu Hosting Pre-COP31 in Unprecedented Event. FEB 26, 2026
- Ana Cunha-Busch
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Pacific at the Center of Climate Negotiations: Fiji and Tuvalu Hosting Pre-COP31 in Unprecedented Event
The South Pacific has taken on a historic role in the global climate calendar. On Thursday (February 26, 2026), the Pacific Islands Forum confirmed that Fiji and Tuvalu will host Pre-COP31 events — preparatory meetings preceding the Conference of the Parties on climate (COP31) — bringing global attention to the heart of one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change.
What are Pre-COP events?
Pre-COP is a series of meetings that take place before the annual UN climate conference, with the aim of aligning positions, highlighting regional priorities, and influencing the final text of negotiations that will be defined during the main COP. For the 2026 edition — whose main conference will be held in Antalya, Turkey — these preparatory meetings represent a chance for countries weakened by climate change to position themselves at the forefront of the global debate.
Fiji and Tuvalu lead the mobilization
As announced, the main pre-COP event will be held in Fiji in October 2026, bringing together negotiators, experts, and international representatives to discuss crucial issues before COP31. Tuvalu, one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels, will host a special segment for global leaders, focusing on allowing heads of state to see firsthand the impacts their policies — or lack thereof — have on the Pacific.
In addition, Palau will host a special climate event during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September, reinforcing the region's leading role.
Impact and Political Significance
The role of the Pacific in the preparations for COP31 is seen as strategic by several governments and experts because:
It amplifies the voice of vulnerable countries, highlighting the realities faced by nations experiencing rising sea levels, droughts, lower agricultural yields, and extreme weather events with increasing frequency.
It strengthens regional leadership, positioning Fiji, Tuvalu, and other forum members as protagonists on the international climate stage.
It puts pressure on major greenhouse gas emitters by exposing the urgency of concrete actions in terms of climate finance, adaptation, and mitigation.
The joint announcement by Australian authorities highlighted that this will be “an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific and show the impacts and climate solutions firsthand.”
Australia's Role and the Agreement with Turkey
While Turkey is the official host of COP31 in November 2026, Australia plays a significant role as Chair of the climate negotiations at that conference—the result of a previously negotiated political agreement that combined hosting the events with a leadership role in the main negotiations.
Australian diplomacy has emphasized the importance of integrating Pacific priorities into global climate decisions, a recognition not only of geographical proximity but also of the need to support measures that respond to the urgent reality faced by small island nations.
Why does this matter?
Fiji, Tuvalu, and other countries in the region are living examples of the accelerated consequences of the climate crisis—from rising sea levels that already threaten the physical existence of low-lying islands to the need to adapt entire infrastructure, economies, and ways of life.
This movement to bring world leaders directly to the Pacific seeks to translate these experiences into a political and diplomatic climate favorable to concrete actions during COP31 — an event where nations negotiate commitments that will influence the entire global climate agenda for the next decade.
The Green Amazon News – International
This text was compiled using public data, scientific reports, and information from meteorological institutions.
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