Australia has joined with our Pacific partners to demonstrate global leadership in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture as part of the pre-COP in Fiji.
The Pre-COP event brought together more than 50 countries and thousands of decision makers, experts and advocates to highlight the Pacific as a front-line for climate change and to advance climate action ahead of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
As COP31 President of Negotiations, Australia played a leading role in formal Pre-COP programs that brought together ministers, senior officials, investors and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the key issues that will be negotiated at COP31 in November.
First Assistant Secretary for Productivity and Sustainability, Nick Blong, participated in a range of events as part of the Pre-COP stakeholder program. He said the events highlighted the strength of Australia’s partnership with the Pacific and a shared commitment to keep the region’s priorities at the centre of global climate discussions.
“Hosting the meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu enabled leaders and delegates to engage directly with Pacific communities and hear firsthand about the challenges climate change poses to the region,” Mr Blong said.
“It was also a great opportunity to showcase Pacific leadership in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and share opportunities, experiences and innovations.”
Alongside the high-level Pre-COP program, Mr Blong met with representatives from the Pacific Farmers Organisations to celebrate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, toured an innovative local horticultural business and joined Pacific partner nations for a panel discussion on local experiences and opportunities in climate-smart agriculture.
The event also served as an opportunity to share Australia’s newly released National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and demonstrated our engagement with Pacific partners on local solutions, including through the Pacific Soils Partnership.
“Bringing some of the world’s climate decision-makers to the Pacific helped raise local voices on the global stage,” Mr Blong said.
“The events demonstrated that the region is not only on the front line of climate change, but also a leader in climate action, resilience and innovation.”
