Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku has called on small island nations to stay resolute in the face of climate challenges, despite previous “disappointing outcomes” at United Nations climate summits.
Speaking at the COP29 Leaders’ Summit for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hu’akavameiliku stressed the need for “ambitious and meaningful climate action.”
“We must move forward together in a way that benefits all our member states,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity among island nations to secure stronger climate commitments.
The summit saw a notable absence from Papua New Guinea (PNG), which opted out of COP29 in protest. “We will no longer tolerate empty promises and inaction, while our people suffer the devastating consequences of climate change,” PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said.
Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged PNG’s stance, saying it highlights global inaction.
He pressed for immediate focus on the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to limit warming to 1.5°C. “Please do not be disheartened,” he urged, adding, “It is your passion and commitment that give us all hope.”