Forum leaders have lauded the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change as a landmark victory, urging global nations to use this as a tool to fortify their climate commitments. In a recent communiqué, leaders highlighted the ICJ’s advisory opinion as a testament to regional collaboration and specifically praised the Government of Vanuatu for spearheading this crucial initiative.
The opinion, issued in 2025, emerged from a campaign initiated by Vanuatu in 2021, significantly supported by Pacific youth activists like the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. This campaign aimed to obtain clarification on states’ legal obligations to protect the climate for future generations. It received support from over 130 countries at the UN General Assembly. This legal advancement is viewed not only as a validation of regional efforts but also as a recognition of the profound impacts climate change has on Pacific communities.
Forum Leaders acknowledged the instrumental role students, civil society, and regional organizations played in exerting consistent international pressure until the advisory opinion was realized. They are now calling upon all countries to integrate the ICJ’s opinion into their national and international climate policy strategies. The leaders encouraged Forum Members to reflect on the ICJ’s opinion during international climate negotiations, emphasizing the critical global temperature limit of 1.5°C set forth by the Paris Agreement.
The communiqué also stressed the necessity for governments to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the COP30 summit, highlighting the urgent need for major economies to bridge the existing ambition gap. Leaders expressed intent to pursue a follow-up resolution at the UN General Assembly to expand on the ICJ’s opinion.
Reasserting that climate change poses the greatest threat to the livelihoods and security of Pacific peoples, Forum leaders committed to a united regional stance under the 2050 Strategy. Additionally, they endorsed Australia’s bid to host COP31 as a Pacific COP in 2026, welcoming collaboration with Türkiye, despite its competing bid.
The recent ICJ opinion builds upon existing regional efforts such as the Boe Declaration and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, reinforcing the legal and moral imperatives prescribed by the Paris Agreement. The advisory opinion serves as a beacon of hope that can galvanize global climate advocacy efforts, urging national governments to enhance accountability and pursue justice for communities most vulnerable to climate change’s adverse effects.
Overall, the sentiment among Pacific leaders is one of cautious optimism. They envision the ICJ’s opinion as a catalyst for stronger international climate commitments and a pathway to securing more comprehensive legal structures that demand accountability from the world’s largest polluters. This milestone reflects a concerted effort to ensure a sustainable, equitable future, leveraging international law to protect vulnerable regions from climate-related threats.
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