About 36 ministerial-level representatives, including the majority of Pacific leaders including France, are expected to attend the upcoming pre-COP discussions, with Fiji hoping their presence in the region will help build momentum ahead of COP31.
Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael says pre-COP is primarily focused on building consensus and narrowing differences ahead of the main UN climate conference, COP31, which will be held in Antalya, Türkiye next month.
He says issues that can be resolved at the officials’ level should be settled during the pre-COP process, while unresolved or more politically sensitive matters can be elevated to ministers for consideration at COP31.
Dr Michael says three issues that could not be resolved during previous negotiations are expected to be discussed at the pre-COP plenary, including response measures on trade, the Mitigation Work Programme and the Global Goal on Adaptation.
He says Fiji is also working to finalise the Falefatupekasa Declaration, which is intended to reflect Pacific priorities and will be taken forward for consideration by leaders.
Dr Michael says the declaration is expected to reinforce the Pacific’s shared position on the urgent need for stronger climate action, greater support for adaptation and loss and damage, and practical solutions that reflect the region’s circumstances.
He says the document will also help ensure Pacific priorities are carried into the formal negotiations at COP31, rather than being considered separately from the realities facing island countries.
Dr Michael says another priority is identifying possible landing zones on issues Fiji and the COP31 Presidency want to advance at COP31.
These include the transition and technology change under the Adaptation Fund, operationalisation of the Just Transition Mechanism, an action agenda focused on zero waste, and recognition of the ocean-climate nexus.
He says the presence of so many ministers and leaders in the Pacific also provides an opportunity to ensure climate negotiations are informed by the realities facing Pacific island countries.
The Permanent Secretary says we have got them here, and if their mindset is still not going to change with everything they have seen, then, for him, that is the most upsetting thing you can ever have.
He says if they are not able to turn the global spotlight to where the impact on climate change is urgent and where we need to drive practical solutions, then, for him, that’s a disappointment.
Dr Michael says Fiji will also maintain its red lines as negotiations progress towards COP31.
He says Fiji will not accept a decision text that does not recognise the Pacific’s red line.
The pre-COP meeting starts from Monday and will continue until Friday in Nadi and Tuvalu.
