FIJI is stepping up preparations for the Pacific-led Pre-COP, with global leaders from the Caribbean and Europe among those expected to attend.
Fiji’s Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said preparations were progressing well, with Fiji working alongside Australia and Tuvalu on the event.
Tabuya said several leaders had already confirmed their participation in the Global Leaders event component in Tuvalu.
“We’ve had some confirmations of some global leaders coming, represented from the Caribbean as well as Europe,” Tabuya said.
She said discussions were continuing with countries in Asia, with Fiji particularly hoping to secure the attendance of Japan’s Prime Minister.
“We are just waiting on some confirmations from leaders in Asia, especially we are hoping to have the Prime Minister of Japan to attend,” Tabuya said.
She said the Japanese leader’s participation would depend on other commitments.
“It’s subject to some commitments that she has on the ground,” Tabuya said.
Tabuya also confirmed that the gathering will bring together climate ministers from around the world, adding another layer of high-level participation to the Pacific-led process.
“Other than that, we have confirmations of ministers from across the world, so climate ministers from across the world who will be attending the Pre-COP event,” she said.
The growing international participation comes as Fiji, Australia and Tuvalu work together on preparations for the climate meetings, with the Pacific seeking to ensure its priorities remain central to global climate discussions.
The participation of leaders and ministers from outside the region will also provide an opportunity to bring Pacific concerns directly to international decision-makers.
For Fiji, the event represents a significant opportunity to bring global climate leadership closer to the Pacific and strengthen the region’s voice ahead of the wider climate negotiations.
