On 8 October 2026, we held Salt Water in Our Blood: A Pacific Climate and Health Talanoa in Fiji, alongside Alliance for Future Generations Fiji.

A Talanoa is a traditional Pacific Island open dialogue concept without hierarchy or a strict agenda. This method is a trusted method for co-creating evidence, sharing perspectives, and developing collective understanding. 

85 people gathered in the Methodist Church Hall of Narewa Village in Nadi, Fiji. People came from all corner of the world, many from small islands like Kiribati, Fiji, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Samoa, Jamaica and the Torres Strait.

Through open dialogue, deep listening and shared experiences, participants explored the connections between the climate crisis, health equity and justice.

Together, they engaged in a traditional talanoa process to discuss the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, how their communities are already adapting, and how the global community must move forward to meet the legal obligations of Pacific Islanders.

The priorities that emerge will help inform our advocacy, communications and engagement as we take Pacific voices and demands from Fiji to Canberra and on to COP31 in Antalya.

The demands align with the academic literature, case studies and Pacific CSO statements, and can be seen in our Talanoa Outcomes communique.

We are so grateful for the generous spirit of the Narewa Village who opened their community to us and allowed this inclusive dialogue to happen.

Tuvaluan advocates Samera Taasi, who champions education and climate awareness; Bernard Kato Ewekia, a climate activist, storyteller and community leader; and Sinilita Lauti Ako, a youth climate advocate and leader, pictured in Nadi, Fiji.

Daniel Hama, Kanaky National Youth Council President speaking at Saltwater in Our Blood: Climate-Health Talanoa, Nadi, Fiji. October 8, 2026.

"COP31 will not be a success unless it listens to the Pacific, and Pre-COP is where that listening must begin. We are not just vulnerable; we are strong, innovative, and ready to lead. Our voices must be at the centre of climate and health conversations, because we carry the knowledge of our ancestors and the urgency of our present". – Litiana Lagibalavu, CAHA Pacific Partnerships Coordinator

Some of the CAHA team in Nadi, Fiji, where we hosted Salt Water in Our Blood: A Pacific Climate and Health Talanoa on 8 October 2026. The outcomes of the Talanoa helped shape the four priorities outlined in our COP31 Policy Brief, Voices of the Vanua.

We extend our sincere thanks to Wellcome Trust for supporting this project and making this work possible.