Fiji, Feb. 26 -- The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, has announced that the Pacific will host key lead-up events to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), marking a significant milestone for the region's climate diplomacy.

In a statement, Prime Minister Manele confirmed that "following a political consultative process, the COP31 Pre-COP Meeting will be convened in Fiji in October 2026, with a special Leaders component to be held in Tuvalu."

He added that the meeting "will build on a special climate event to be convened as part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September."

The Forum Chair said the announcement follows an agre...