Ministry Statements & Speeches:
The Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum on 9 November issued the 2023 Declaration on the Continuity of Statehood and the Protection of Persons in the Face of Climate Change-related Sea-Level Rise.
Climate change remains the greatest existential threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of the Blue Pacific Continent. The impacts of climate change include sea-level rise which is already affecting Pacific countries.
This Declaration is grounded on existing principles and features of international law to declare that the statehood and sovereignty of the Members of the Pacific Islands Forum will continue, and the rights and duties inherent thereto will be maintained, notwithstanding climate change-related sea-level rise. Forum Members also commit to protecting persons affected by sea-level rise, and call upon the international community to support the Declaration.
It follows on from the landmark 2021 Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Sea-Level Rise and Maritime Zones that has attracted widespread international support from a range of geographically-diverse countries.