PM Albanese heads to Fiji and Tuvalu for Pacific climate talks
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is travelling to Fiji and Tuvalu as Pacific nations prepare for a major climate meeting ahead of COP31 in Türkiye later this year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Fiji and Tuvalu from 5 to 7 October for a Pacific Pre-COP Leaders’ event focused on climate change, clean energy and the priorities of Pacific island nations. The Pacific Pre-COP program is being held in Nadi, Fiji, from 5 to 8 October and is expected to bring together representatives from more than 50 countries, along with climate experts, policymakers and advocates.
A separate Leaders’ event will take place in Tuvalu from 5 to 6 October. The event will highlight the effects of climate change on the island nation and the measures being taken by Tuvalu communities to respond to those challenges. Australia is co-hosting the events with Fiji and Tuvalu after securing the role of COP31 President of Negotiations at the previous global climate conference.
The Pacific Pre-COP is intended to help build agreement ahead of formal negotiations at COP31, which will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. The Australian Government says hosting the preparatory discussions in the Pacific will give greater attention to the concerns of countries that are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and other climate impacts.
For Mr Albanese, the trip will be his fourth official visit to Fiji and his first official visit to Tuvalu. He will be accompanied by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will serve as Acting Prime Minister while Mr Albanese is overseas.Mr Albanese said Australia was committed to working with its Pacific neighbours on climate action.
“Australia is proud to stand with our Pacific family and co-host these events with Fiji and Tuvalu, putting our region’s priorities on the world stage.”
He said the events would also build on Australia’s broader engagement with Pacific countries on regional stability, security and economic development.
“Pre-COP in the Pacific will allow the world to hear directly from those on the front line of climate change and see the solutions that these nations are leading,” he said.
The discussions are expected to focus on advancing climate action and supporting the transition towards cleaner energy while ensuring Pacific priorities are reflected in the international climate negotiations.
Source: Australian Government, Prime Minister of Australia.
