Mexico Prioritizes Science and Climate Action at PreCOP31, Strengthens Dialogue with Pacific Nations

Mexico took part in PreCOP31, the preparatory meeting for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Nadi, Fiji. The Mexican delegation was led by Enrique Ochoa, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at the Foreign Ministry.

Held from October 5 to 8, the meeting brought together heads of state and government, ministers, and senior officials to find common ground and pave the way for agreements at COP31. The conference will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.

In the dialogue and negotiating sessions, the Mexican delegation stressed the urgency of meeting existing commitments and mobilizing the financing needed to keep the 1.5°C goal alive and limit the impacts of global warming. Mexico also presented the innovative elements of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and of its National Adaptation Plan, ADAPTA-MX.

More broadly, the delegation promoted an ambitious climate action agenda based on the best available science and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable populations. It also stressed the importance of recognizing the links between oceans, biodiversity conservation, community resilience, and climate change adaptation.

During the ministerial segment, Undersecretary Ochoa led three roundtables on just transition. Their conclusions focused on avoiding duplication of effort, building on arrangements and instruments already in place, and advancing toward a just transition that benefits above all the people and communities hit hardest by climate change.

The undersecretry also met with officials from Pacific nations, including the president of Nauru; the environment ministers of Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands; and senior officials from Australia, Fiji, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on each country's climate action experience and priorities, and advanced dialogue on the multilateral agenda and on cooperation at the United Nations.

Mexico's participation in PreCOP31 reaffirmed the country's commitment to multilateralism, climate justice, and the consensus-building needed to lay the political groundwork for COP31 and respond effectively to one of the greatest challenges of our time.