Global developments · 9 October 2026
Fiji Pre-COP puts implementation and finance ahead of COP31
At Fiji’s Pre-COP sessions, Murat Kurum highlighted the 1.5°C goal, mitigation and adaptation, and access to climate finance. The statements set out political priorities before COP31, rather than new regulation.
Pre-COP opening proceedings took place in Fiji ahead of COP31 in Antalya, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change announcement dated 7 October 2026. COP31 President and Minister Murat Kurum called on countries to turn climate commitments into practical action. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874)
An implementation call around the 1.5°C goal
The opening session chaired by Kurum included Australian Minister Chris Bowen, Fijian Minister Lynda Tabuya, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Pacific country representatives. Kurum framed the 1.5°C goal as a question of protecting lives, food security, cities and economies, rather than simply a temperature threshold. He said exceeding it should not mean the end of climate action. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874) His remarks stressed that decisions taken today can influence the magnitude and duration of overshoot. Kurum called for discussions in Antalya to focus on work already delivered, rather than future intentions. He described the presidency’s approach as turning scientific knowledge into policies, policies into investments, and investments into measurable results on the ground. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Mitigation and adaptation as complementary priorities
Kurum identified expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and avoiding dependence on high-carbon infrastructure as elements of rapid emissions reduction. He described mitigation and adaptation as complementary rather than competing approaches. He said this results-oriented approach also informed the COP31 Action Agenda developed with Australia, with the intention of making the conference an “implementation COP.” [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Finance access and vulnerable countries
Calling for international cooperation on climate finance, Kurum said earlier decisions and commitments on access to funding needed to be implemented. He highlighted support for a just transition and stronger resilience in vulnerable countries as important to successful global climate action. In closing remarks, he also emphasized electrification, financing projects needed for NDC and NAP implementation, and access to that finance. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Diplomatic meetings and the scope of the announcement
The Fiji programme included bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of the Cook Islands and Vanuatu. Talks with French Minister Monique Barbut covered the climate crisis, biodiversity, green transformation and climate-resilient cities. Kurum also held a trilateral meeting with European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and Chris Bowen. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874) The ministry’s report describes political messages and diplomatic discussions; it does not announce new legislation, an adopted binding decision or corporate reporting requirements. Its emphasis on implementation and finance should therefore be understood as priorities and calls for action ahead of COP31, not as rules that have entered into force. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/fiji-de-pre-cop-oturumlari-basladi-306874)
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