STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM
THE HON. JEREMIAH MANELE, PRIME MINISTER OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
PACIFIC TO DELIVER KEY COP31 EVENTS
I am pleased to announce that following a political consultative process, the COP 31 Pre-COP Meeting will be convened in Fiji in October 2026, with a special Leaders component to be held in Tuvalu. This will build on a special climate event to be convened as part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September.
The Forum Family welcomes the agreement between Australia and Türkiye last year that the Pacific would host Pre-COP and a special leaders’ event, ahead of the World Leaders’ Summit in November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Pre-COP is a chance to show that when it comes to climate change, the most vulnerable nations can lead, and the world's most powerful nations can listen.
The Leaders Meeting in Palau will be the pivotal moment for the region to consolidate its position and align partnership expectations. From this foundation, coordinated advocacy will carry through UNGA 81 and Pre-COP 31 engagements, culminating in the delivery of an impactful Pacific presence at COP 31.
I thank the Government of Australia for their support to the region through this process. The Forum Family stands ready to support the Governments of Palau, Fiji, Tuvalu in their hosting responsibilities, recognising the deep experience that the region has in the COP climate process and the hosting of world class events.
[ENDS]
