Global developments · 10 October 2026
Fiji Pre-COP concludes with four-step call to improve climate finance access
The ministry’s 9 October announcement reports the conclusion of Fiji talks. Murat Kurum called for simpler funding applications, greater grant support and an implementation-focused COP31 outcome.
Pre-COP meetings in Fiji have concluded ahead of COP31 in Antalya. According to the Turkish environment ministry’s announcement dated 9 October 2026, COP31 President Murat Kurum called for climate finance to reach vulnerable countries more easily and promptly. The announcement focuses on proposals to improve funding access and calls for implementation-oriented outcomes at the Antalya talks.
Four proposals covering applications and debt terms
Kurum proposed four steps to improve access to finance. The first is to simplify climate fund application formats and introduce fast-track approval for small projects. The second is to align finance with countries’ own development plans and priorities, supporting the protection of schools, hospitals, water sources and farmland. The third calls for a larger share of grants and concessional finance, alongside clauses in new loans suspending debt repayments after disasters. The fourth is to attach timetables to commitments and prioritize the most vulnerable countries. These are presented as requests, not newly effective funding conditions.
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Concrete commitments sought alongside declaration
Speaking at the main session on access to finance, Kurum expressed support for a declaration and action plan to expand access. He urged countries to sign the declaration and accompany their signatures with concrete commitments. The ministry report does not announce a finalized contribution list or a new funding allocation under that appeal. Participants included Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Fiji’s Information, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Pacific country representatives. Kurum emphasized the financing difficulties facing small island states and least developed countries.
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗COP31 political text remains a consultation issue
Kurum called for work to begin on considering a political COP31 decision text balancing mitigation, adaptation, finance and implementation. He said such an outcome would neither replace negotiating items nor create new obligations. He also said the text would not be a predetermined outcome, but would take shape through early, transparent and inclusive consultations with parties. The announcement therefore describes the presidency’s negotiating approach, rather than an adopted COP31 decision or new corporate compliance requirements.
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Connecting projects with finance
Kurum described the Climate Implementation Bridge within the COP31 Action Agenda as an initiative connecting projects and finance. He said the presidency wanted issues discussed in the Pacific to reach the Antalya agenda and be resolved there. His messages emphasized urgency, implementation, electrification, finance and unity, with zero waste and methane reduction also identified as priorities.
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