Global developments · 9 October 2026
Fiji COP31 gathering highlights island risks, energy transition and finance
At the Leaders’ Plenary in Fiji, Murat Kurum called for 2035 national climate contributions, electrification and financial support for island countries.
COP31 President and Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum called for implementation of climate commitments at the Leaders’ Plenary in Fiji, according to the ministry’s announcement dated 7 October 2026. His Pre-COP address focused on risks facing Pacific island countries, the clean energy transition and climate finance. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/pre-cop-oncesi-fiji-de-liderler-genel-oturumu-duzenlendi-306870)
A Pacific call for action ahead of Antalya
The ministry said Kurum spoke in Fiji after visiting Tuvalu with other leaders. Pre-COP meetings are taking place in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31, which Türkiye will host in Antalya. Kurum described the Taku Pakasoa Declaration as a call to unite behind Pacific peoples, emphasizing dialogue, consensus and collective action. He invited parties to act as preparations continue for the November conference. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/pre-cop-oncesi-fiji-de-liderler-genel-oturumu-duzenlendi-306870)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗The 1.5-degree goal and island survival
Kurum described the 1.5-degree goal as a matter of survival for Tuvalu, which lies only a few metres above sea level. He highlighted the risk of irreversible losses facing small island developing states and least developed countries, and called for deep, rapid and sustained emissions reductions. He also expressed a commitment to protecting statehood, sovereignty and maritime zones in the context of rising sea levels. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/pre-cop-oncesi-fiji-de-liderler-genel-oturumu-duzenlendi-306870)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Implementing national contributions and energy ambitions
The address urged countries that have not submitted their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for 2035 to act. Kurum called for implementation of decisions and commitments from previous COP meetings. He highlighted tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, alongside a 35 percent electrification target by 2035, as ambitions relevant to COP31’s success. He said electrification, storage and grid transformation would strengthen energy security while reducing costs and fossil fuel dependence. These were goals and calls expressed in a speech; the announcement does not introduce a new binding regulation. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/pre-cop-oncesi-fiji-de-liderler-genel-oturumu-duzenlendi-306870)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Oceans and access to finance
Oceans and Seas was identified as one of the COP31 Action Agenda’s 10 priority areas. Kurum also said electrification, zero waste and green industrialization would receive emphasis. He argued that the international financial architecture should provide grant-based and concessional finance for small island developing states and least developed countries, and invited developed countries to contribute to the Pacific Resilience Fund. He also called for support for ocean science and highlighted the leading roles of young people and Indigenous peoples. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/pre-cop-oncesi-fiji-de-liderler-genel-oturumu-duzenlendi-306870)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Related news
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