Secretary-General António Guterres spoke at the opening ceremony of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, telling leaders that while much of the world is mired in conflict, injustice and socio-economic crisis, the Pacific “is a beacon of unity and strength, environmental stewardship and peace”.
The Forum consists of 18 member countries, from Australia to Vanuatuguided by a long-term vision and 2050 strategy to ensure health and well-being for all by working together “to harness collective power and build a better future”.
Mr. Guterres told the annual meeting that the global Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development – built around 17 Goals or SDGs – “is stalling”.
Ocean ‘treated like a sewer’
“The world has much to learn from you. It must also step up to support you.”, he said, adding that their region has “fearless seafarers, skilled fishermen and a deep knowledge of the ocean since ancient times”, and that the world’s oceans are being treated “like a sewer” by humanity at large.
“Plastic pollution is choking marine life. Greenhouse gases are causing ocean warming, acidification and rising sea levels. But Pacific Islands are showing how to protect our climate, planet and oceans”, he declared.
He pointed to the area. Statement on rising sea levelsand determined to make a just transition towards a fossil fuel-free Pacific.
“Young people in the Pacific have taken the climate crisis to the extreme International Court of Justice (International Court of Justice),” he said.
Major emitters ‘must act’
While the Pacific region is doing what it can, the most industrialized G20 nations – the biggest carbon emitters – “must step up and leadby phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption and immediately halting their expansion,” the UN Secretary-General said.
He stressed that the region urgently needs more financial, capacity and technological support to accelerate the transition to clean energy and for countries to invest in adaptation and resilience.
“That is why we call for reforms to the international financial architecture, a significant increase in the lending capacity of the Multilateral Development Banks, effective debt relief programmes and increased redistribution of Special Drawing Rights to benefit developing countries,” the UN chief added.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres (center) with other attendees at the opening ceremony of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.
Save the Pacific, we save the world
The decisions on the climate crisis and sustainable development that world leaders make in the coming years will determine the fate of us all, he said.
“In other words: If we save the Pacific, we save the world. Pacific island nations have a moral and practical imperative to put their leadership on the global stage..
Mr. Guterres stressed that Summit of the Future in New York next month will be an opportunity to reform and update global institutions, so they can function properly again.
“I call on Pacific Island nations to speak up and listen loudly because the world needs your leadership.”, the UN chief concluded.
