October 5, 2026: Ministers and delegates from more than 50 countries are gathering in the Pacific for the 2026 Pre-COP, the final major ministerial meeting ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, with a strong focus on Pacific-led climate action.
Co-hosted by Fiji and Australia from October 5 to 8, the meeting is being preceded by a special Leaders’ event in Tuvalu on October 5–6. The discussions will focus on keeping the 1.5°C target within reach, accelerating the clean energy transition, mobilizing climate finance for vulnerable countries and strengthening action to protect oceans and communities from climate impacts.
Fiji’s Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said the Pacific’s influence on global climate action was greater than its size and stressed the need to put Pacific priorities and solutions at the center of international discussions.
Tuvalu’s Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, said decisions taken at Pre-COP and COP31 would be felt first by frontline communities. He called for stronger ambition and immediate action to protect vulnerable island nations.
COP31 President Murat Kurum said the meeting would focus on turning climate commitments into delivery, including action on electrification, resilient cities, oceans and zero waste, backed by adequate finance.
Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia would work with Türkiye to secure practical outcomes that strengthen economies, improve energy security and build climate resilience, particularly across the Pacific.
The four-day meeting will also feature the Vale ni Vanua Knowledge Exchange program, highlighting youth leadership, climate science and practical solutions in areas including ocean protection, agriculture and maternal health.
