CLIMATE change and sea level rise are Tuvalu’s greatest security threats, and major polluters must enter legally binding obligations on the matter, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Teo stressed that climate change and sea level rise impacted the quality of life, food and water security, and challenging the nation’s “future statehood and sovereignty”.
He highlighted unilateral actions, including amending Tuvalu’s Constitution “to ensure Tuvalu’s statehood in perpetuity, and its maritime boundaries are protected and remain permanent”.
The landmark Falepili Union Treaty with Australia also legally commits Australia to recognise Tuvalu’s sovereignty in perpetuity.
Tuvalu strongly advocates for the inclusion of several matters in the anticipated UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, including to “Affirm statehood continuity and the permanency of maritime boundaries amidst the climate crisis” and to “Promote secure, organised and dignified pathways for human mobility”.
He welcomed the recent advisory opinions by the ICJ and ITLOS, noting they “shift the conversation from political commitments to legally binding obligations”.
Speaking on the theme, “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights”, Teo affirmed that “Genuine and durable partnership is not a choice but a necessity”.
He called for the “rapid operationalisation and replenishment of the Loss and Damage Fund”.
His statement also addressed non-communicable diseases (NDCs) as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Tuvalu, reaffirmed commitment to gender equality, and expressed regret over the “continued exclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from the United Nations system”, calling for its admission.
Teo called upon Member States to move forward in unity, stating,
“While progress may have not come as swift as we desire, it is far more meaningful when it is achieved collectively”.
He also extended warm greetings and congratulations on the UN’s 80th anniversary, noting Tuvalu has also been celebrating its 25th anniversary of UN membership.