Pacific leaders must urgently communicate to over 2,000 communities at risk from rising sea levels that funding for essential sea walls will be available in the next three years, rather than in a decade. This statement was made by Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, during her address at the University of Cambridge and Commonwealth side event titled “Their Future, Our Action” at COP29 in Baku this week.
Kiran emphasized the importance of leadership in advocating for the needs and experiences of citizens, particularly those facing climate threats. She expressed a desire for leaders to reassure parents that their children would be safe in schools designed to endure sudden floods and severe winds. Currently, she noted, such reassurances cannot be guaranteed.
During her speech, Kiran highlighted the critical need for a paradigm shift in climate finance discussions at the Baku conference. She urged for leaders to provide confidence to vulnerable groups—including children and the elderly—by ensuring that their governments are equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change.
Her call for enhanced cooperation in climate finance reflects a shared commitment among Pacific leaders to seek practical solutions and implement effective initiatives that protect their communities from climate impacts.
This message serves as a hopeful reminder that with cooperative efforts and immediate actions, there is potential for meaningful change in protecting vulnerable populations from the effects of climate change. It invites leaders to not only acknowledge the urgency of the situation but also to take proactive steps to create a more secure future for their communities.
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