Pre-COP Explainer

Tuvalu will host selected leaders and senior representatives from right across the globe for a special high-level segment of the Pre-COP. Invited Leaders and their representatives will witness firsthand the impact of climate change and adaptation solutions on the atoll nation of Tuvalu, one of the countries most exposed to the accelerating effects of climate change.

In Fiji, Leaders will convene for a Pre-COP plenary. These events in Fiji and Tuvalu will profile critical climate priorities for Small Island Developing States and the leadership of the Pacific with broad resonance to the global community

Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, the single largest threat to the lives, livelihoods, culture and security of Pacific communities. Hosting Pre-COP is a chance for Pacific nations to influence global climate negotiations before key decisions are made at COP31. They provide a platform to strengthen action on things critical to the region’s future, including keeping 1.5°C within reach, enhancing access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate connection and amplifying Pacific leadership. Pre-COP is an opportunity for the Pacific to show the world we are on the frontline of climate change and climate solutions. That we are leaders in resilience, adaptation, and ocean stewardship.

The Pre-COP in Fiji will focus on the major issues countries need to work through before COP31. These are expected to include accelerating climate action, keeping 1.5°C within reach, improving access to climate finance, supporting Paris Agreement implementation and ensuring the energy transition is fair and leaves no one behind. The stakeholder program alongside Pre-COP will provide industry, civil society and other stakeholders the opportunity to progress key issues ahead of COP31. Importantly, this program will highlight crucial investment opportunities for the Pacific and advocate for improved access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, including the Pacific. The Leaders’ event in Fiji and Tuvalu will focus on Pacific climate impacts, Pacific-led responses and the need for practical global action that supports climate-vulnerable countries.

The formal Pre-COP usually runs for two to three days. Australia, as President of Negotiations for COP31, will preside over Pre-COP and will invite countries to exchange views, narrow differences and identify possible areas of agreement before COP. The program typically includes plenary sessions, smaller breakout discussions and bilateral meetings between attending countries. Pre-COP may also include side meetings, stakeholder events or an informal workshop for senior negotiators to continue discussions.

Pre-COP is smaller than COP. Invitations are limited to a select group of countries, with consideration of different regions and negotiating groups. Country delegations are typically led by a minister or head of delegation, supported by officials. World leaders typically do not attend Pre-COP meetings. The smaller format is deliberate. It allows ministers, senior officials and key negotiators to speak more directly, test positions and build the trust needed to make progress at COP31. Selected observer organisations will also be invited. Civil society, youth, First Nations groups, industry, academia and community organisations may participate through side events or stakeholder programming.

Attendance at Pre-COP is expected to include ministers and senior representatives from invited countries, Pacific leaders and officials, Türkiye, UN representatives and selected observers. Stakeholder programming is also expected to include civil society, industry, academia, First Nations, youth and community organisations.