Pacific Voices Push to Shape COP31 Agenda as Fiji and Tuvalu Host Pre-COP31 Meetings

Climate advocates in the Pacific are gearing up for the pre-COP31 meetings to be held in Fiji and Tuvalu, as confirmed by the Pacific Islands Forum. The decision to host in these nations reflects a collaborative agreement orchestrated between Australia and Turkey.

350.org Pacific has expressed strong support for Fiji and Tuvalu’s roles in these critical discussions. Fenton Lutunatabua, the Program Lead for 350.org Pacific & Caribbean, emphasized that while the meetings are welcomed, the Pacific Islands should not merely serve as a scenic backdrop. Instead, Lutunatabua stressed the need for the agenda to be shaped by the realities faced by communities on the frontlines of climate change. He also pointed out a significant concern — the current draft of the COP31 agenda lacks any mention of fossil fuels, which are widely recognized as the primary contributors to the climate crisis.

Both Fiji and Tuvalu have long been advocates for stronger climate commitments on a global scale, reiterating that the climate crisis poses an imminent threat to humanity. Their experiences and insights place them in a unique position to influence the outcomes of the upcoming COP31 discussions.

Jacynta Fa’amau, a campaigner with 350.org Pacific, noted the importance of clear roles for the Pacific nations in the pre-COP31 process. She highlighted the opportunity presented by the Australia-Turkey co-presidency to involve local communities and the diaspora, ensuring that the COP31 presidency remains accountable. The stakes are high for these communities, and their involvement is critical for effective climate action.

Dr. Rufino Varea, Director of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, welcomed the Pacific Islands Forum’s announcement and underscored the need for transparency regarding the Pacific’s role in shaping the agenda. He urged that the hosting of these meetings should not just focus on geographical representation, but must also embody substantial leadership that prioritizes the needs and voices of frontline communities, ensuring that discussions translate into actionable commitments that foster climate justice.

As preparations for the pre-COP31 meetings advance, the engagement of Pacific Islanders in the climate conversation could lead to more meaningful outcomes, providing hope for stronger climate action that directly addresses the urgent challenges posed by climate change.