By Katalina Siasau
The Climate change crisis has worsened conditions in the Pacific Islands, threatening lives, livelihood, and security its people, said PM Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, in his statement as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), on Monday, 23 September, during the UN General Assembly Summit of the Future, in New York.
“We call for urgent transformative global action to limit warming to 1.5°C. All nations must enhance emission reductions and improve access to climate finance for Pacific Island nations here and now and not tomorrow.”
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku declared support towards the Pact for the Future, that was adopted by UN member states, negotiated by Germany and Namibia. It is a plan to reform the UN to be ready for the challenges of the 21st century, with negotiations led by Germany.
“This is a beacon of hope we all need at a time of escalating uncertainties. We appreciate the leadership from the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany over the past 18 months. The Pact for the Future is introduced at a moment when there is a global demand for a more equitable, secure, and sustainable world for our future generations,” PM Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said.
The 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum “are determined to be pro-active, and will not leave the future to chance.”
2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent
The PM said that the Blue Pacific Continent is under threat from climate change, geopolitical tensions, and financial and economic disparities.
He said the PIF will do everything to achieve the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a vision for a Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity.
“The world is witnessing a growing number of conflicts, which are being triggered by political instability, economic disparities, social tensions, and the impacts of the climate crisis. Peace is the foundation for Security. We in our Blue Pacific never have and never will take peace for granted. Peace is a daily task.”
PM also noted the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is the first Pacific-led climate and disaster response initiative taken by Pacific Islands Forum to build regional resilience.
PIF also has the 2023 Declaration on the Continuity of Statehood and Protection of Persons amidst sea-level rise, and the 2021 Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones against climate impacts.
PM Hon. Hu'akavameiliku was accompanied by the Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu.
