Pre-COP31 | MFAET Facilitates Protocol Training for Liaison and Protocol Officers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has coordinated protocol training for civil servants who will serve as Liaison Officers (LOs) and Protocol Officers (POs) during the Pacific Pre-COP31, to be held in Nadi, Fiji, from 5 to 8 October 2026.

The training forms part of Fiji’s whole-of-government preparations to host the high-level climate meeting, which will bring leaders, ministers, senior government officials, climate negotiators, development partners and international media to the Pacific ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Jointly facilitated by MFAET’s Protocol and Consular Division and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the training was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on 22 September 2026.

MFAET is working closely with relevant stakeholders through intergovernmental and interministerial mechanisms to support the successful delivery of Pacific Pre-COP31.

Central to these preparations is the role of Liaison and Protocol Officers, who will support visiting delegations throughout their programmes and facilitate protocol, security, logistical and operational arrangements to help ensure that official engagements proceed smoothly and efficiently.

During the training, officers were briefed on the Pre-COP31 programme, diplomatic protocols, roles and responsibilities, delegation management, communication and coordination arrangements, and the standards expected when supporting international delegations.

MFAET’s Chief of Protocol and training facilitator, Ms Kiti Temo, emphasised that effective protocol is an important enabler of diplomacy and international engagement.

“Protocol creates the environment in which diplomacy works effectively. The whole-of-government effort is an opportunity for us to demonstrate Fiji’s capability to host an international meeting of this significance.”

Ms Temo also thanked participating civil servants for taking on this important responsibility and encouraged them to carry out their duties with professionalism, responsiveness and a strong sense of national pride.

Australian Government DCCEEW Branch Head, Ms Louise Perez, emphasised the importance of the training.

“I was very pleased to be here today, working alongside the Chief of Protocol to support Protocol and Liaison training ahead of the Pacific Pre-COP. Protocol plays a vital role in the successful delivery of international meetings. Protocol Officers help participants feel welcome, demonstrate respect and understanding for the cultures of visiting dignitaries, and ensure each delegation’s programme runs smoothly. I am confident that Fiji’s Protocol Officers will embody the warmth and hospitality of the Pacific and leave a lasting impression on all delegations.”

Fiji is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for Pacific Pre-COP31 and supporting a successful meeting that advances Pacific priorities and builds momentum towards COP31.

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua and Dr. Raijeli Taga also visited the training sessions.