Pacific Foreign Ministers Declare Climate Emergency

The Pacific Foreign Ministers have declared a climate emergency in the region.This was one of the key outcomes of the Forum Foreign Ministers held last Friday.

The declaration includes key collective decisions including a declaration that the Pacific was facing a climate emergency that threatens the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of its people and ecosystems.

Led by Vanuatu, Foreign Ministers also endorsed a recommendation for Forum Leaders to call on the United Nations’ General Assembly for a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of states under international law, to protect the rights of present and future generations against climate change impacts.

Foreign Ministers have set  priorities for COP27, taking place in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, later in November, to ensure the 27th global meeting turns pledges and commitments into action, consistent with the 1.5 degrees pathway.

The region will once again be led by Political Climate Champions, including a new Champion on Gender and Social Inclusion.

The ministers also welcomed Australia’s renewed commitment to the forum’s climate change priorities and Australia’s interest to host a future UNFCC COP, in partnership with Pacific Island countries.

In recognising the power of Blue Pacific advocacy on the global stage, Foreign Ministers welcomed the successful conclusion on negotiations on the World Trade Organisation Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and the excellent work by Fiji and the member countries who, through the Forum and the Pacific Way, were able to work together in solidarity to reach the successful conclusion of these negotiations.

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