A preparatory climate summit co-hosted by Australia in Fiji and Tuvalu drew only two leaders from outside the region, Mauritius and Timor-Leste, plus some ministers and officials, with the remote trip proving too much for many invited countries. It was meant to let decision-makers see sea-level rise and relocating communities first-hand ahead of the UN's COP31 talks in Antalya, Turkey, which Australia will lead the negotiations for after losing the hosting bid to Ankara. Australian climate minister Chris Bowen said the aim of focusing world attention on vulnerable Pacific island states had still been met, though low turnout weakens the intended pressure on emissions and climate finance.