Preparations for Pre-COP31 are entering the final stages, with 49 of the 63 invited countries confirming their participation in the high-level climate meeting to be hosted in Fiji.

Organisers say 36 ministers are among those confirmed to attend, signalling strong international representation ahead of COP31.

A total of 116 non-party observers and invitees have also been invited, although only 38 confirmations had been received at the time of the briefing.

As part of the Leaders Programme, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will lead Fiji’s delegation to Tuvalu, where heads of government and heads of state will participate in a dedicated programme before returning to Fiji for the Leaders’ Opening Plenary.

Pre-COP31 will focus on four key Pacific priorities: keeping the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach, improving access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate nexus, and strengthening the Pacific leadership voice ahead of COP31.

The Pre-COP31 meeting will be held in Nadi from September 5th to 8th.

The meeting is expected to provide a critical platform for Pacific priorities to be carried into the wider COP31 negotiations.

By: Litia Rabua