Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo addressed world leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development, emphasizing that climate change represents the most significant threat to the survival of his nation. His remarks, delivered in Doha, Qatar, underscored the urgency of prioritizing climate change within global social development discussions.
Teo described the contemporary world as confronting complex challenges since the inaugural summit in 1995, exacerbated by a “triple planetary crisis” of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. He highlighted that these social issues are intertwined with threats to global peace and security, driven by ongoing conflicts and challenges to multilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister called for innovative, strategic, and inclusive solutions, stressing that social development is a collective responsibility that transcends governments, necessitating involvement from all sectors of society. He welcomed the summit’s theme, “Partnership for accelerating social development and climate solutions,” as an essential response given the limited time remaining to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Teo reaffirmed Tuvalu’s commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He underscored that investing in social development is crucial for fostering resilience and potential within humanity and for ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.
In addressing gender equality, Teo emphasized that empowering women strengthens communities. He indicated that a society where gender equality is a fundamental norm is vital for overall resilience. Nevertheless, he warned that Tuvalu’s social development initiatives are threatened by climate change, particularly the rising sea levels that pose an existential risk to the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the UN General Assembly for convening the first high-level meeting on sea level rise and expressed hopes that the follow-up meeting in 2026 would lead to a UN Declaration recognizing the importance of statehood continuity and the preservation of maritime boundaries.
Teo articulated that the ocean is integral to Tuvalu’s identity and culture, and its encroachment due to climate change signifies a threat to the very existence of his people. He urged the global community to recognize the link between climate change and ocean health as critical for social development, poverty reduction, and global peace. He concluded by calling on delegates to unite behind the Doha Political Declaration, framing the summit as a critical moment for action and a catalyst for reinvigorating the UN’s social development agenda and the sustainable development goals.
This address not only highlights the immediate threats facing Tuvalu but also showcases the resilience and active engagement of the nation as it seeks to forge pathways toward a sustainable future amid escalating climate challenges. By rallying support for climate action and emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts, Tuvalu remains hopeful for a productive dialogue that addresses these pressing issues on a global scale.
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