Tuvalu, 2025

Now the Assembly will hear an address of His Excellency Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly. Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am indeed honoured to once again address this August Assembly as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu. I convey to the General Assembly the warmest greetings and best wishes of the people and the Government of Tuvalu. Allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to Her Excellency President Annalena Baerbock on her election as President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. I assure President Baerbock of my country Tuvalu's full support of her Presidency. Allow me also, Mr. President, to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing President, His Excellency Philemon Young, for his exemplary leadership over the past year. Mr. President, let me also express Tuvalu's heartfelt congratulations to the entire United Nations family for this historic milestone of 80 years of existence. For eight decades, the United Nations stood as a steadfast pillar of peace, a champion of multilateralism and a beacon of hope for humanity. The UN's enduring presence is a testament of the transformative power of unity and the remarkable achievement made possible when nations join forces in a spirit of cooperation and unity of purpose. Tuvalu takes enormous pride in its membership of the United Nations, especially as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of UN membership this month. Mr. President, the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations should and must be a moment of reflection and re-envisioning to ensure the United Nations remains true and faithful to the objective of its foundational document, the UN Charter. Despite our historic achievement, we continue to witness conflict, persistent human rights violations and development setbacks. These challenges run counter to the principle of the United Nations Charter and serve as a stark reminder that our quest for peace, justice and sustainable development remain incomplete despite the maturity and the advanced age of the United Nations. That is why, Mr. President, Tuvalu fully supports the Secretary General's UN80 initiative to make the UN more effective and impactful for the millions of lives that depend on it. Mr. President, I commend and applaud the selection of the theme, Better Together, 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights. The theme is both timely and fitting, considering the persistent challenges to global peace and security and to multilateralism. The notion of better together underscores the power of unity and working together despite the differences amongst nations, because true progress can only be realized when the limiting factors to our common objectives and goals are adequately addressed. The achievement of peace, security and sustainable development holds little value if the poor and the most vulnerable are left behind. I therefore commend the President's pragmatic vision in guiding the direction of this important milestone session. Mr. President, climate change and sea level rise remain the greatest security threats to Tuvalu, and they continue to be the top development and security priorities for Tuvalu. Climate change and sea level rise are multidimensional and cross-cutting development issues that impact and challenge not only the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu, but also the fundamental and integral quality of lives of the people of Tuvalu in terms of food and water security, land security and economic security and prosperity. Tuvalu continues its strong international advocation for the special case of Tuvalu as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change, especially climate-induced sea level rise. Towards that objective, Tuvalu has been vocal and active in its efforts to future-proof its statehood and sovereignty by seeking to influence state practices and international law as they relate to the impact of climate change and sea level rise on statehood continuity and the permanency of properly demarcated maritime boundaries and the right to the resources therein, pursuant to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Tuvalu has also taken bold and unilateral actions in this regard. Tuvalu has amended its constitution to ensure Tuvalu's statehood in perpetuity and its maritime boundaries are protected and remain permanent, no matter what happens to Tuvalu's land territory because of climate change. Through the landmark Falepili Union Treaty between Australia and Tuvalu, Australia is now legally committed to recognize Tuvalu's sovereignty in perpetuity and support human mobility with dignity and rights. Tuvalu fully supports the effort of the UN General Assembly in elevating the issue of sea level rise as a stand-alone issue and commenced its historical high-level meeting last year in 2024 on sea level rise. Tuvalu welcomed the decision of the UNGA this year to convene another high-level meeting on sea level rise next year at its 81st session in September 2026 with the view to consider a UN declaration on sea level rise. The journey towards the UN summit on sea level rise next year must be a turning point, securing long-term commitments so that island nations like mine are not left to confront the prospect of irreversible loss and damage. For the anticipated UN declaration on sea level rise, Tuvalu strongly advocates the inclusion in the declaration of the following matter. First, the affirmation of statehood continuity and the permanency of maritime boundaries amidst the climate crisis as a principle of international cooperation. Secondly, promote secure, organized and dignified pathways for human mobility. Thirdly, support the safeguard of culture and heritage of affected communities. Fourthly, deliver innovative and rapid financing to enable adaptation journeys of the most vulnerable. And fifthly, ensure access to knowledge, data and science to inform strategic planning, enhance resilience and foster global cooperation. Tuvalu also welcomes the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea Convention, IDLOS, regarding the obligation of states in relation to climate change. The IDLOS issued on the 21st of May 2024 the first ever advisory opinion on climate change that spelled out for the first time the far-reaching obligations of major polluters to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, to prevent catastrophic harm, and to pay loss and damage for breach of such obligations. The ICT's landmark advisory opinion delivered in July 2024 was the first ever advisory opinion on climate change. This landmark advisory opinion delivered in July this year validates that climate change is urgent and is an accidental threat to human life and natural ecosystem. The ICJ and the IDLOS opine that states have a duty to prevent significant harm to the environment and therefore they must act with due diligence and use all means at their disposal to prevent activities carried out in their jurisdiction or under their control from causing significant harm to the climate system. The advisory opinions also affirm the principle of statehood continuity and the permanency of duly demarcated maritime boundaries despite the impact of climate change and sea level rise. The advisory opinions are significant milestones as they shift the conversation from political commitment to legally binding obligation. Despite the advancement in state practices and the recent judicial pronouncement on climate change and sea level rise, Tuvalu continues to call for the development of an international treaty on sea level rise that codifies the legal rights of affected states and peoples and to reaffirm the principles of statehood continuity and the permanency of maritime boundary. It is my hope that the urgency to address the accidental threat of climate change and sea level rise will not be overshadowed by the ongoing geopolitical competition between the superpowers and the military conflict around the globe. Mr. President, while the UNGA prepares for the UN summit on sea level rise next year, Tuvalu continues to fulfill its obligation under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. With a sense of pride, Tuvalu has presented its first biannual transparency report to the UNFCCC, which is a testament to Tuvalu's commitment to the transparency, accountability and climate actions. During this week, I announced a third nationally determined contribution, NDC 3.0, which is Tuvalu's blueprint to resilience and a pledge to the world linking climate action, sustainable development, cultural preservation and a just transition to 100% renewable energy. But the fight for the 1.5 degree centigrade threshold cannot be won with carbon dioxide reductions alone. We must tackle methane and other short-lived gases that prevent near-term warming to buy time for deeper carbonization to take root. Only then can we protect the world from irreversible tipping points like the rapidly expanding coral bleaching that is devastating our ocean. Tuvalu has also updated its national adaptation plan, which provides a strategic and inclusive framework to protect people, ecosystem, infrastructure and cultural heritage from climate change, setting clear adaptation pathways in coastal protection, infrastructure, food and water security, health and disaster risk reduction while addressing sovereignty and cultural preservation. Tuvalu also supports the fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty initiative for a just phase out of the use of fossil fuel and call on all nations that are serious about confronting the climate crisis to join this initiative and to act decisively to protect our planet and future generation. Mr. President, Tuvalu has 26 square kilometers of land just opposed against 750,000 square kilometers of exclusive economic zones, which makes Tuvalu a large ocean state. As such, the ocean is the lifeblood of our economy. The ocean defines our culture and heritage, and the ocean is our very source of existence. As custodian of the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu reaffirmed its commitment to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources. To that effect, Tuvalu is in the process of developing its first ever national ocean policy, not only to coordinate and guide the implementation of our commitments under SDG 14, but to also discharge our obligation to save and keep our ocean healthy. Mr. President, Tuvalu has ratified the BB&J agreement, which has achieved the requisite 60 ratification threshold to bring it into force. Earlier this year, Tuvalu joined the global community in Nice, France for the third United Nations Oceans Conference. In that gathering, Tuvalu joined the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Coalition, which aims to support coastal cities by planning and implementing the transformation required to address sea level rise. The Nice Ocean Conference reminded us that the fate of our ocean cannot be separated from the fight against climate change and sea level rise. The commitment made in Nice must be carried forward with resolve, including through strengthened partnership and predictable financing that empower frontline community to conserve and sustainably use the ocean on their own term. In recognition of the need for a holistic approach to peace and security, the Pacific Island leaders this year endorsed the Pacific Blue Ocean of Peace Declaration, an initiative that aims to elevate the peace dimension of regional security and promote a Pacific-led vision of stability and resilience. Tuvalu is also proud to announce its firm commitment to co-facilitate the Ocean Pioneers Coalition with France and Panama, and that Tuvalu has joined the Friends of the Ocean and Climate, which is an informal and inclusive group to advance ocean climate actions and discourse. Tuvalu shared the disappointment for the inability of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to finalize on time the development of an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, and therefore urges the leaders and the UN system to continue the work and to expeditiously finalize negotiation of such a treaty. Mr. President, the principle of better together is more than just a watchword. It is a powerful affirmation of partnership in the face of increased challenges to multilateralism. The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, ARBAS, and the Samoa Pathway and the Pact for the Future are key development frameworks founded on this shared conviction that aligns with SGG 17. Genuine and durable partnership is not a choice but a necessity. It is a principle that continues to shape international cooperation and respond to the unique and persistent challenges that SIDS and LDCs like Tuvalu continue to face. Tuvalu acknowledges the progress achieved for such a genuine and enduring partnership. However, greater global efforts remain needed by those at the lower end of the global economic scale like the LDCs and the SIDS. The Decadal Guide for Financial Cooperation, dubbed the Compromiso de Sevilla, fell short of our ambition for a truly transformative financing framework. Much to our disappointment, there is also omission of previously agreed climate financing language from the document. Nevertheless, Tuvalu reiterates the call for urgent, scaled-up adaptation finance and the rapid operationalization and replenishment of the loss and damage fund, including through the innovative use of special drawing rights. Tuvalu remains a steadfast in its call for increased grant and concessional financing, improved access to climate change and development funds, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives that are tailored to the special circumstances of small island developing states. Moreover, international financial institutions must reconsider eligibility criteria that prevent vulnerable countries from accessing support simply because of income classifications that do not reflect our exposure to multidimensional risk. For Tuvalu, justice in global finance means recognizing that vulnerability cannot be measured by GDP alone. It means valuing resilience, equity, and the right of every nation, large or small, to chart a secure and sustainable future. Timely and targeted assistance is not charity. It is a matter of justice and survival. For the foregoing reasons, Tuvalu has joined the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is a Pacific-led and Pacific-managed facility to cater for the specific adaptation needs of Pacific Island countries in the face of climate change. Tuvalu calls on the international community, especially the developed countries, and partner organizations to support the capitalization of the Pacific Resilience Facility. Mr. President, noncommunicable disease, NCDs, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Pacific region and in the world at large, and Tuvalu is not an exception. Poor diet and obesity, intrinsically linked to the food security challenges, are key contributors to this escalating public health concern. Tuvalu therefore welcomes the political commitment demonstrated through the recent adoption of the Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being. The acknowledgment of the need for coordinated cross-sectoral actions reflect a spirit of collective responsibility and exemplify the critical support required by countries most affected by NCDs. At the national level, Tuvalu is fully committed to upholding the commitments outlined in the Declaration in our shared pursuit of achieving the global target by 2030. Mr. President, earlier this week we commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and the Beijing Declaration and Plan of Action considered the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women's rights. Tuvalu reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and has taken important steps towards that objective. The Tuvalu Constitution now prohibits discrimination based on sex, embedding gender equality in our highest law. And last year, in 2024, Tuvalu adopted a more updated and modern national gender equity policy to assure women's empowerment and protection from violence are integrated across all sectors. Women's rights are not only human rights but are also a foundation of sustainable development, peace and resilience. For Tuvalu, this means ensuring that women are not only included but are leading in decision-making spaces, from village councils to global negotiations. Equally, Tuvalu places high importance on the role of young people in building a more just, sustainable and inclusive future. As we also marked yesterday the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, we take this opportunity to underscore our support for youth development and leadership. We must continue to create the conditions that allow our young people to realise their full potential as active agents for change, as innovators and as partners in achieving the sustainable development goal. Tuvalu recognise that inclusive development cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women and youth. Mr President, projecting the principle of inclusivity and leaving no one behind to the UN system, Tuvalu deeply regrets the continued exclusion of the Republic of China, Taiwan from the United Nations system. As a long-standing and reliable development partner of Tuvalu, Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation, making meaningful contribution across a broad range of development sector. Tuvalu holds the strong view that the UNGA Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN system and Tuvalu calls for the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations and its specialised agency. Similarly, it is regrettable to observe that the people of Cuba continue to bear the economic burden of long-standing unilateral economic sanctions which deny them crucial international development assistance and partnership necessary for their recovery and rebuilding efforts. Tuvalu believes that sanctions which isolate and impoverish entire peoples run counter to the spirit of the United Nations Charter. Tuvalu supports the lifting of these sanctions and joins other member states in calling for the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Mr President, next week on the 1st of October will be Tuvalu's 47th Independence Anniversary. Though the birth of Tuvalu and the United Nations are a generation apart, Tuvalu remains grateful for the privilege of being a member of the United Nations and to have engaged and collaborated with the UN family of nations in our common pursuit of advancing the vision of this session, Better Together 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights. I wish to express my special thanks and sincere gratitude to the United Nations and its member states, in particular Tuvalu's generous, traditional and emerging partners for all the support and assistance afforded to Tuvalu. Mr President, in closing, as we engage and interact during this historic session of the General Assembly, we should do so with the full awareness of the complex and formidable challenges that confront our international community. Yet history has shown us that no challenge is insurmountable when we face it together, in solidarity and in unity of purpose. I therefore call upon all members of the United Nations family to move forward in unity, guided by our shared purpose and common mission. Let us remain steadfast in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, which continue to inspire and give meaning to the vision of this session. While progress may not have come as swift as we desire, it is far more meaningful when it is achieved collectively. For indeed, when we stand together, united in principle, in purpose and in resolve, we not only achieve better outcomes, but more enduring, equitable and just outcome. I thank you, and as we say in Tuvalu, Faka Fitailasi, Tuvalu Moderdua, Tuvalu for God. Thank you.