For Miriama Taukiei, the arrival of world leaders in Tuvalu is more than a high-level climate meeting.

The woman from Niutao says it is an opportunity for leaders to see first-hand how climate change is affecting the people of this small Pacific island nation.

She says many leaders have heard about Tuvalu and rising sea levels, but being here allows them to see the reality for themselves.

“It’s a good opportunity. I’m glad that the leaders have decided to come here to Tuvalu, to come and see what’s really happening here.”

Miriama says she is proud that a small nation like Tuvalu has been able to bring world leaders to its shores.

She says the visit is also important because leaders are listening directly to the voices of Tuvalu’s people.

“I’m also happy that these world leaders humble themselves to come here and listen to the voices of the people of Tuvalu.”

For Miriama, those voices extend beyond government leaders.

She says communities, children, women, men and civil servants are all part of the effort to show the world what Tuvalu is facing.

She recalls how, when she first came to Tuvalu, she was struck by how narrow the island is, with the ocean visible on both sides.

“All I can imagine is, what if a tsunami comes? Everything will wash away.”

Miriama says Tuvalu has contributed little to climate change, yet its people are among those facing its impacts.

She hopes the leaders will carry what they have seen and heard in Tuvalu into their discussions in Fiji and eventually COP31 in Türkiye.

Her message is simple, and that is to remember the people.

“Whatever decisions, please remember the two days that you’ve spent here in Tuvalu. The things you have seen, the community, the lives and the people of Tuvalu.”

For Miriama, those experiences should remain part of the conversation when world leaders sit down to make decisions that could shape the future of Pacific communities.