Antigua and Barbuda is participating in the Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings being held in Fiji and Tuvalu from October 5–8, ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, is representing Antigua and Barbuda at the high-level climate discussions. He is accompanied by Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Acting Director of the Department of Environment.
The Pacific Pre-COP31 is being hosted by Australia in partnership with Fiji, Tuvalu and other Pacific partners. The official programme in Nadi, Fiji, is being held from October 5–8, with the Leaders’ Event taking place in Tuvalu and Fiji from October 5–6. The meetings are intended to amplify Pacific perspectives and priorities in the lead-up to COP31.
The participation of Antigua and Barbuda reflects the country’s continued engagement in global climate discussions and its advocacy for the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in relation to climate resilience, adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and meaningful implementation of climate commitments.
The Leaders’ Event provides participating leaders and representatives with an opportunity to see firsthand the impacts of climate change in Tuvalu, including the challenges associated with sea-level rise, while also highlighting the adaptation and resilience measures being undertaken by Pacific communities.
For Antigua and Barbuda, participation in the Pre-COP is particularly significant as a fellow small island developing state facing many of the same climate-related vulnerabilities as Pacific island nations. The country continues to advocate for stronger international action and greater access to the resources required by vulnerable states to build resilience and respond effectively to climate impacts.
Minister Joseph and Ambassador Camacho-Thomas are expected to engage with fellow ministers, government representatives and climate stakeholders throughout the programme, contributing Antigua and Barbuda’s perspective to discussions that will help shape the agenda for COP31.
The Pacific Pre-COP will serve as an important platform for building momentum ahead of COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9–20, 2026.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Joins Pacific Climate Talks Ahead of COP31.