Fiji presents Pacific COP31 priorities at WTO Trade and Environment Week

Fiji has taken the Pacific's climate priorities to the global stage, with Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, outlining the region's agenda for COP31 during the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade and Environment Week in Geneva.

Speaking on a high-level panel co-hosted by Australia and Türkiye on 4 June, Minister Singh highlighted the Pacific's climate challenges and stressed the role trade can play in supporting climate action and sustainable development.

The session recognised Fiji and Tuvalu's role as co-hosts of the Pre-COP31 meeting later this year, bringing a Pacific perspective to discussions on the intersection of trade and climate policy.

Minister Singh shared the panel with WTO Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam, a senior representative from Türkiye and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia's Permanent Mission.

In his remarks, the Minister welcomed the recent United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on 21 May that gives effect to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on climate change, describing it as a significant milestone for international climate cooperation.

He also highlighted Fiji's ongoing participation in key international trade and climate initiatives, including the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions, the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative, the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate and the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability.

Minister Singh said climate change remains the greatest threat facing Pacific Island countries and territories, affecting communities, economies and regional security.

He outlined four key priorities that will guide the Pacific's approach to COP31: keeping the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach, improving access to climate finance, strengthening recognition of the ocean-climate connection and ensuring Pacific voices remain central in global climate discussions.

The Minister also highlighted the Pacific Resilience Facility, which recently entered into force as the region's own climate financing mechanism designed to support community resilience projects, climate adaptation efforts and the transition to clean energy.

He called for simpler and more direct access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States and stressed the need for effective loss and damage arrangements to support countries already experiencing the impacts of climate change.

Minister Singh said the Pre-COP31 meeting, which Fiji will host alongside Tuvalu in October, will provide an opportunity to showcase Pacific leadership on climate issues and help build momentum toward meaningful outcomes at COP31.

He thanked Australia and Türkiye for ensuring Pacific representation on the panel and reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to working with international partners to advance climate action through trade cooperation.

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