Fiji, Oct. 19 -- Pacific leaders must use the momentum from the Fiji-Tuvalu Pre-COP31 meeting to secure climate finance, strengthen regional resilience and ensure the voices of vulnerable communities influence global decisions, former Fiji Ambassador to the United Nations Dr Satyendra Prasad says.

In an opinion piece titled ' A Blue Pacific on Fire on the Road to COP31', Dr Prasad says the region has demonstrated leadership and innovation in addressing climate change, raising expectations for world leaders ahead of the UN climate conference in Antalya, Turkiye.

He said the Pacific should not be treated as a passive recipient of international assistance but recognised as a region developing its own solutions to the climate crisis.

"This...