Peace & Security Dialogue at the 52nd Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting

Excellencies, Ladies, Gentlemen,

Kia Orana

The Blue Pacific Continent asks practical questions: How do we ensure populations have enough food to eat, particularly in light of increased storms that cause fruit-bearing trees to fall? Where do we move a taro patch as sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion worsens? How do we ensure schools and hospitals have electricity, withstand against increasingly violent storms, and continue to provide essential services? How do we develop sufficient economic opportunities to persuade citizens to stay home instead of migrating abroad? If necessary due to Climate Change, how do we migrate?

The United Nations stands with the Pacific in solidarity. It is of the utmost importance we discuss Climate Change and Security in the same breath. Climate Security is Regional Security, and Climate Security is National Security.

This year we commemorate 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Let us recognize what an invaluable star map it has been for our collective journey towards a world defined by equality, freedom, peace, and justice. In recognition of the threat Climate Change poses to these very ideals, the right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment was acknowledged a Human Right in October 2021 by the Human Rights Council, making it imperative that we continue to advocate for these principles as we combat the impact of Climate Change.

The UN has already begun to react to the complex threat that Climate Change poses in countries such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands through the “Climate Security in the Pacific” joint UN project, funded by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, and which offers inclusive solutions to mitigate the impact of Climate Change.

The project has focused on the regional to the local level, ensuring that all members of the community are considered, including women and girls, people living with disabilities, youth to the elderly, and more.

From the Boe Declaration to the “1.5 to Stay Alive” movement; from the continuity of national borders when sea-level rise threatens islands’ very existence, to seeking fairness at the International Court of Justice; and from the calls for Loss & Damage to Climate Finance facilities; the United Nations recognizes Pacific leadership on Climate Security. We stand ready to navigate these waters together and to do what must be done for the benefit of the Blue Pacific Continent.

I thank you for your attention.

Meitaki