This is why Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya said the discussions at Pre-COP will place a strong emphasis on accelerating renewable energy deployment and translating political commitments into practical implementation.
Speaking at the Leaders’ Ascent Dialogue at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau today (01:09:2026), Hon. Tabuya said Pacific nations were proud to host the Pre-COP and wanted the world to understand the challenges faced by island communities on a daily basis.
The Minister said Pre-COP will provide a platform to advance several priorities that Pacific leaders have consistently championed, including climate finance, the ocean-climate nexus, and keeping the global target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.
“A declaration and action plan on improving access to climate finance for small island developing states and least developed countries is expected to be launched in Fiji, helping advance practical reforms that make climate finance faster, fairer and more accessible,” shestated.
“The ocean-climate nexus will also feature prominently. For Pacific people, there is no pathway to climate resilience or keeping 1.5 degrees within reach without a healthy ocean.”
Hon. Tabuya urged Pacific leaders and development partners to support strong participation in the event.
She said the Pacific’s influence on global climate action has often been greater than its size and that the region must continue to use its collective voice to push for meaningful climate action.