At COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Baron Waqa, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, reiterated the profound existential threat climate change poses to Pacific Island nations. He emphasized that rising sea levels in the Pacific jeopardize not only lives but also cultural identity and traditions.
Waqa declared, “We save the Pacific; we save the world,” urging leaders not to depart without making firm commitments that ensure the future of our Blue Planet is secure. He stressed that meeting the 1.5-degree Celsius target outlined in the Paris Agreement is essential for the survival of Pacific nations.
To tackle climate challenges, he highlighted the necessity for substantial and timely climate finance designed specifically for small island developing states. He expressed hope that the New Collective Quantified Goal would provide accessible funding that considers the unique circumstances of Pacific Island countries.
Waqa announced that the Pacific Resilience Facility, a solution crafted by Pacific leaders to improve access to climate finance, is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. He expressed gratitude to partners who have pledged support for this initiative, emphasizing that their contributions are crucial for safeguarding the Pacific’s future.
Moreover, he underscored that financial assistance alone is insufficient without addressing the root causes of climate change. Waqa called for a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate the hardships faced by Pacific communities.
Looking ahead, he mentioned that Forum Leaders are eager about co-hosting COP31 in Australia, which will allow the Pacific to showcase its challenges and the urgent need for global action against climate change.
In summary, Waqa’s address serves as a strong reminder of the interconnectedness of global climate issues and the importance of unity in addressing these challenges. As we face the climate crisis, there is hope that collective actions and partnerships will lead to effective solutions, fostering resilience and sustainability for the regions most affected.
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