One of the nations most vulnerable to sea level rise will host leaders as part of the Pacific’s international climate conference duties.
The main consultations for the pre-COP31 event will take place in Fiji in October and a “leaders’ component” will be held in Tuvalu, a low-lying island state expected to lose 90 per cent of its land to the ocean by the end of the century.
While Turkey ultimately emerged the victor from a three-year stand-off with Australia and Pacific nations to host the annual summit, the rival bidders did negotiate some COP-related responsibilities.
Australia is now leading multilateral negotiations and text drafting, while the Pacific secured a leaders pre-COP event.
Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele, chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, said the region would have a strong presence at the climate conference.
“Pre-COP is a chance to show that when it comes to climate change, the most vulnerable nations can lead, and the world’s most powerful nations can listen,” he said.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, who has been tasked with running negotiations, said the Pacific region was at the frontline of the climate crisis.
“Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours” he said.
Also as part of the COP31 arrangements, Palau will host a “special climate event” during the 55th PIF leaders meeting in September.
The main purpose of the annual United Nations climate summit is to make progress towards the Paris Agreement – the global pact that aims to limit global warming to 1.5C.
While the last summit in Brazil failed to make meaningful progress on roadmaps to end deforestation and phase-out fossil fuels, climate experts are hopeful Australia can use its negotiating role to advance the big-ticket agenda items.
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