Caption: Samoan Prime
Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi
By MATTHEW VARI
Sunday, June 5, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)
PACIFIC States have drummed on the issue of climate change affecting the region as the biggest issue at hand for the region.
Speaking on behalf of Pacific states at last week’s ACP Summit held in Port Moresby this week, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi said climate change was such as it called for immediate action.
“Firstly and of paramount importance to us all is the issue of climate change- the Paris Agreement heralds in a new beginning,” Malielegaoi said.
“It demonstrates what is possible at the global level if countries are prepared to set aside their differences and vested interests for the common good of humanity.”
“The Paris Accord is the threat that binds the global community together. It calls for immediate and urgent action now rather than more target setting and making pledges.”
He said the pacific has been proactive in contributing to solutions to the issue with the acceptance of responsible development.
“Let me exemplify some of these good practices. Palau for instance has created the world’s sixth largest ocean sanctuary with no fishing and other extractive purposes.”
“All other countries in the pacific, small islands developing states have shown commitment through the signing and the ratification of the Paris Agreement as they did on May 22nd in New York.”
“Many have put in programs for the implementation of their respective ambitious intended nationally determined commitments,” the Samoan PM said.
He added that climate change is an existential threat for all member countries that are low lying atolls.
“Population displacement is fast becoming a reality and more importantly we must ensure that every avenue is explored to guarantee migration with dignity should the need eventuate.”
“The world must realize and accept that saving small countries like Tuvalu and Kiribati from the adverse impact of climate change is in fact saving our planet.”
“The sustainable development goals is our roadmap for the future. The ACP group must learn from each other, share best practices and lessons learnt and wherever possible execute these responsibilities through south-south and triangular cooperation.”
He concluded, saying that as a family the group should strengthen its resilience not only to climate change, but other external shocks, whether they be natural disasters induced or economic and social in nature.
“The land is what defines us and is integral and part of who we are,” he said.
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