THE Pacific must leave a legacy of courage and cooperation for future leaders, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday.
“Come 2050, when future leaders gather in this assembly, what will we present to them?’’ he asked in a powerful call for global unity.
“Let it not be scars of missed opportunities, but a legacy of courage and cooperation. Let it be proof that when the world chose to act better together, we secured a safer, peaceful, fairer, and a more sustainable future for our children.”
This powerful message from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele set the tone for his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he urged world leaders to move from rhetoric to action.
Speaking on behalf of a region on the frontlines of climate change, Manele welcomed the historic Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.
The opinion, he said, strengthens the rights of climate-affected communities and confirms that statehood and maritime boundaries will endure, even in the face of rising seas.
Manele announced Solomon Islands’ support for Australia’s COP31 bid, and the launch of the Pacific Resilience Facility.
On oceans, he reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ moratorium on deep-sea mining, the launch of the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, and support for the BBNJ Treaty to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Manele also called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, including the elimination of the veto power, and confirmed Solomon Islands’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat for 2032–2033.
The Prime Minister criticized the increasing global militarization, called for stronger protections for humanitarian workers, and condemned the violence in Gaza, urging a ceasefire and lasting peace based on international law.
He also acknowledged partnerships with Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, and others, noting their contributions to Solomon Islands’ development in health, infrastructure, and education.
Concluding with a challenge to the global community, Manele said humanity’s progress and survival depended on the ability to act better together.