Albanese's Pacific climate summit struggles to draw international leaders
Only 14 national leaders committed to attend Australia's preparatory climate summit in Fiji. Just two came from outside the Pacific.
Anthony Albanese travelled to Fiji for a preparatory meeting ahead of the UN climate summit in Turkey later this year. About 4,000 people gathered in Nadi for the pre-COP talks, though the Australian government struggled to attract global leaders.
Only 14 national leaders confirmed attendance. Just two, José Ramos-Horta from Timor-Leste and Navin Ramgoolam from Mauritius, came from beyond the Pacific.
The government had hoped to show how climate change threatens island nations. Distance, competing priorities and the bigger talks planned in Turkey dampened interest.
Opposition figures called the summit a waste of taxpayers' money. Albanese defended it, saying Pacific voices must be heard because the region faces an existential climate threat.
- 14
- National leaders attending
- 2
- Leaders from outside Pacific
- about 4,000 people
- Total attendees in Nadi
- Tuvalu
- Summit destination
Why it mattersThe low turnout suggests global leaders don't view the Pacific climate crisis as urgent. Australia had hoped to convey how serious it is.
AustraliaAustralia's attempt to put Pacific island climate threats on the global agenda has gained less traction than expected, which may weaken its voice at the main UN talks in Turkey.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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