Nadi:Pacific leaders convened in Fiji for discussions ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled to take place in Türkiye next month. Host nation Fiji emphasized the importance of integrating ocean-related issues and the blue economy into climate negotiations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fiji's Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, addressed the gathering in Nadi, highlighting the need to prioritize the ocean-climate nexus in global climate talks. She emphasized that Pacific communities rely heavily on the ocean for sustenance, employment, and economic activities, necessitating increased investment in ocean protection and sustainable development.

Tabuya advocated for maintaining the global warming limit of 1.5 degrees and underscored the urgency for climate finance to be distributed more quickly and equitably to vulnerable communities. She also indicated that Fiji would push for stronger commitments on clean shipping, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, and ocean conservation, asserting that the ocean is vital to achieving climate solutions.

The COP31 conference is set to occur in Antalya, a Mediterranean city in Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.