The Fijian government has officially expressed its interest in hosting the upcoming pre-COP negotiations, with discussions now advancing to the ministerial level among Pacific leaders. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, reported that the process is still in its preliminary stages and will be guided by regional decision-making.
Dr. Michael confirmed that Fiji submitted its expression of interest through the Office of the Prime Minister, and further clarity will likely emerge following consultations among Pacific ministers. He emphasized that while Fiji is keen to host the pre-COP, the final decision on which Pacific nation will take on this role will be made collectively by regional leaders.
This step aligns with an agreement reached during the recent global climate talks, where it was decided that a Pacific island nation would host the pre-COP meeting. However, details regarding the hosting arrangements, including the final decision on the host country and the format of the meeting, will be determined through the leadership process of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
Pre-COP meetings are essential as they occur before the annual Conference of the Parties and significantly influence the negotiation positions and priorities ahead of the formal climate discussions. With Fiji’s proactive stance in seeking to host these critical negotiations, there is hope that the Pacific region can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and solidifying commitments among nations.
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