The Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Sefanaia Nawadra, has praised the Government of Vanuatu for its significant leadership in advocating for an Advisory Opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a process that culminated in July 2025. Since 2022, Vanuatu has spearheaded this initiative, marking a historic step in seeking legal clarification on the responsibilities of states regarding the climate crisis.
This advisory opinion asks crucial questions about state obligations under international law to protect the climate system from man-made emissions of greenhouse gases for both present and future generations. It stresses the urgency of addressing climate change, which has been identified as an existential threat primarily caused by human activity.
During the announcement of the opinion, Justice Iwasawa Yuji emphasized the broad impacts of climate change, noting that it poses cross-border challenges that threaten global economies and individual livelihoods. The opinion also underscores essential human rights, including the right to a healthy environment, and calls for collective action from both states and the private sector to combat climate change.
Nawadra highlighted Vanuatu’s historic role in international diplomacy, noting achievements such as the Alliance of Small Island States and the inclusion of loss and damage in global climate discussions. He praised the collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders, including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Community, which contributed to the collective achievement of this advisory opinion.
Tagaloa Cooper, SPREP’s Director of Climate Change Resilience, described this outcome as a powerful statement reinforcing existing legal obligations under the Convention and providing countries with essential guidance moving forward. The engagement of youth leaders has also been pivotal, empowering the younger generation to advocate for climate action and reaffirming the specific needs of the Pacific region.
The advisory opinion received unprecedented participation with 91 written statements and comments from various countries and organizations, culminating in oral statements from 96 countries at the ICJ—a historic level of engagement.
Comments from Vanuatu’s leaders reflect a shared optimism that the advisory opinion will amplify global commitment to climate justice and responsibility, establishing a hopeful precedent for future international climate negotiations and fostering a sense of unity among small island developing states.
The enthusiasm surrounding this advisory opinion is not merely about legal frameworks—it represents a profound shift towards accountability for climate actions that threaten vulnerable nations. It provides a crucial legal and moral grounding to advocate for urgent climate action, signaling a collective movement towards a sustainable future.
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