Tonga’s Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, delivered a powerful call for urgent climate action during the Summit of the Future at the United Nations.
Speaking on behalf of the 18 Pacific Islands Forum member states, Sovaleni stressed the existential threat climate change poses to the Pacific region, urging world leaders to accelerate emissions reductions and fulfill climate finance pledges. “Climate change is not just a Pacific issue; it’s a global crisis,” he said.
Sovaleni highlighted the direct impact of rising sea levels, extreme weather, and ocean acidification on Pacific communities, warning that entire nations risk becoming uninhabitable without immediate action. He also referenced regional efforts, such as the Pacific Resilience Facility, aimed at building climate resilience.
Sovaleni called for stronger representation of Small Island Developing States in international decision-making bodies like the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that global governance structures must evolve to address their unique vulnerabilities.
He also announced the Pacific Islands Forum’s upcoming “Ocean of Peace Declaration,” reaffirming the region’s commitment to peace and stability. Sovaleni concluded by urging industrialized nations to honour their climate finance commitments, emphasizing that global action is essential for a sustainable future.
Source: PACNEWS
