FUNAFUTI — Tuvalu is preparing to host a major Pacific civil society meeting as the island nation seeks to strengthen regional voices ahead of the next round of international climate negotiations.

The Pacific Civil Society Organisation Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Funafuti on September 10 and 11, bringing together around 100 participants from across the Pacific. The meeting is intended to help civil-society groups coordinate priorities before the region’s pre-COP31 discussions and the wider UN climate conference.

The dialogue comes as Pacific island countries face increasing concerns over sea-level rise, extreme weather, food security, water supplies and the economic effects of climate change.

Tuvalu has consistently called for stronger international action to protect vulnerable island communities and improve access to climate finance.

The meeting will provide civil-society organisations with an opportunity to exchange experiences, identify common priorities and develop recommendations for regional climate negotiations.

Climate finance is expected to be a particularly important issue. Pacific countries are seeking greater access to funding for adaptation, disaster resilience and renewable-energy projects.

Tuvalu is also dealing with changing climate conditions in the tropical Pacific. Its meteorological service has reported that the region is currently experiencing an El Niño phase, with conditions strengthening rapidly. The country’s rainfall outlook shows a mixture of wetter- and drier-than-normal conditions during the coming months.

The weather service has also warned of coastal inundation associated with the September spring tide, with the highest tidal conditions expected around September 11.

These developments highlight the immediate challenges faced by low-lying Pacific island communities.

Tuvalu is using regional and international forums to push for stronger climate action, including a fair transition toward cleaner energy and greater support for vulnerable developing countries.

The upcoming civil-society dialogue is therefore expected to play a role in building a coordinated Pacific position ahead of COP31.

For Tuvalu, hosting the meeting reinforces its position as an active voice on climate change and the concerns facing small island developing states.