Fiji’s indigenous and vulnerable communities gained a stronger voice in global climate discussions as Nacula representative Lavenia Naivalu represented the country at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Ms Naivalu advocated for stronger climate action, improved access to climate finance for vulnerable communities and continued commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

She said representing Fiji was a privilege, as she carried the voices of her people, the Vanua and the ocean to the international climate negotiations.

Her participation followed her selection as the Pacific’s primary representative on the Facilitative Working Group of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP).

Through this role, Ms Naivalu hoped to bring greater attention to the challenges faced by communities already experiencing the impacts of climate change and ensure their concerns were considered in global decision-making.

COP31 runs from November 9 to 20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together world leaders, climate negotiators and community representatives to discuss and advance global climate action.