by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Pacific Island leaders have concluded the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), reiterating the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis.
During the assembly in New York, Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni highlighted the existential threats posed by rising sea levels, which he stated are rising at twice the global average, endangering Pacific Island cultures. He emphasized that these changes lead to the loss of land, heritage, and identity, and called for a coordinated global response to combat climate change and its repercussions on inequalities and development goals.
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka criticized the militarization and excessive spending on arms, suggesting that these resources should be redirected toward addressing climate change, which he described as humanity’s greatest threat.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa pointed out the importance of tackling global plastic pollution, especially in marine environments, and stressed the need to safeguard biodiversity for sustainable livelihoods. She also noted the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Samoa, which now surpass communicable diseases as the leading health challenge, urging a transformation towards locally produced foods.
President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia stated that rising sea levels threaten the well-being of small island nations but do not undermine their statehood or rights under international law.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas warned that the world risks surpassing a critical temperature threshold within the next decade. He advocated for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice to clarify states’ legal obligations concerning climate change, emphasizing the need for accountability and action.
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo predicted that by 2050, over half of Tuvalu’s land will be regularly flooded due to rising sea levels, with even more dire consequences by 2100. He expressed concern over the effects of climate change on marine resources, which are vital for Tuvalu’s economy.
Finally, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape spoke about the country’s rich biodiversity and the essential role of sustainable management of natural resources. He lamented the lack of significant international action on climate change despite PNG’s ongoing efforts and stressed the existential threat posed by climate-induced changes in sea levels and weather patterns.
