More

    Pacific Ocean Being Treated “Like a Sewer”: António Guterres

    CountriesAsia PacificPacific Ocean Being Treated “Like a Sewer”: António Guterres
    - Advertisment -

    Pacific Ocean Being Treated “Like a Sewer”: António Guterres

    Despite these strides, Guterres stressed that major industrialized nations, particularly the G20, must lead in reducing fossil fuel production and consumption. “Big emitters must step up and lead,” he asserted, calling for immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and curb emissions.

    In a powerful address at the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga on Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres lauded the Pacific island nations for their leadership in combating climate change, urging the global community to bolster support for their efforts.

    Guterres praised the Pacific region as a “beacon of solidarity and strength,” highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship and peace amid a world rife with conflict and socio-economic challenges. His remarks came as the Forum, which includes 18 member states from Australia to Vanuatu, convened to discuss a collective vision for a sustainable future, guided by a long-term strategy aiming for comprehensive well-being by 2050.

    The UN chief acknowledged the growing urgency of climate issues, noting that the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is faltering. “The world has much to learn from you,” Guterres said, emphasizing the need for enhanced international support. He pointed out that the Pacific’s extensive knowledge of the ocean and proactive measures contrast sharply with global mismanagement of marine resources, describing the ocean as being treated “like a sewer” due to plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and rising sea levels.

    Guterres highlighted the Pacific islands’ efforts, including their Declarations on Sea Level Rise and their push for a transition to a fossil-fuel-free future. He commended Pacific youth for taking the climate crisis to the International Court of Justice, reflecting the region’s proactive stance on environmental issues.

    - Advertisement -

    Despite these strides, Guterres stressed that major industrialized nations, particularly the G20, must lead in reducing fossil fuel production and consumption. “Big emitters must step up and lead,” he asserted, calling for immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and curb emissions. The G20 nations, which contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, are expected to set an example for the rest of the world.

    Leadership crucial

    The UN Secretary-General’s address underscores the pivotal role that Pacific island nations are playing in global climate leadership and highlights the pressing need for a unified international response to safeguard the planet’s future.

    The UN Secretary-General also underscored the urgent need for increased financial support, technology, and capacity-building to accelerate the transition to clean energy and enhance resilience in Pacific island states. He called for reforms in international financial systems, including expanded lending from Multilateral Development Banks and improved debt relief programs, to support developing nations.

    Guterres emphasized the importance of the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York, where global leaders will have the opportunity to reform international institutions to better address contemporary challenges. “If we save the Pacific, we save the world,” he declared, urging Pacific island nations to assert their leadership on the global stage.

    He further acknowledged the Pacific’s success in securing support for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index at the General Assembly and emphasized the need for its inclusion in international financial institutions’ operational criteria.

    In his closing remarks, Guterres called on Pacific island states to continue voicing their concerns and solutions loudly and clearly, stressing that their leadership is crucial for addressing the climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

    Image: UN

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    Pakistan: Federal and Sindh Governments Move Toward Dialogue Over Contentious Canals Dispute

    The canals project, primarily the TP Link Canal initiative in the Cholistan region of Punjab, has been the subject of intense criticism from the Sindh government, opposition parties, and civil society.

    Herding Hope 2025: National Goat Summit Charts a Smart and Inclusive Future for India’s Goat Economy

    Farhad Vania, Portfolio Management Advisor, GIZ India emphasized GIZ’s commitment to agroforestry, agriculture, and goat-related projects in India through Indo-German partnerships.

    World Economy Teeters on Recessionary Edge amid Rising Trade Tensions and Financial Uncertainty, UNCTAD Warns

    The report stresses that as the world stares down the possibility of a widespread recession, the urgency for cohesive, multilateral solutions has never been greater.

    Bangladesh: Commission Pushes Sweeping Legal Reforms to Eliminate Gender Disparities

    The commission called for enforcement of the existing rule mandating 33 per cent women’s representation in political parties under the Representation of the People Order. It also proposed institutional reforms within parties to address corruption and create enabling environments for women.
    - Advertisement -

    UN Trade Body Urges US to Exempt Vulnerable Economies from Tariff Hikes amid Rising Trade Tensions

    Despite their marginal impact, many of these countries could face tariff rates as high as 50 per cent, such as Lesotho, while Cameroon could face 11 per cent.

    Countries Finalise Historic Pandemic Agreement After Three Years of Negotiations

    The text affirms national sovereignty in public health decisions. It states explicitly that nothing in the agreement gives WHO the authority to mandate health measures such as lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, or border closures.

    Must read

    Pakistan: Federal and Sindh Governments Move Toward Dialogue Over Contentious Canals Dispute

    The canals project, primarily the TP Link Canal initiative in the Cholistan region of Punjab, has been the subject of intense criticism from the Sindh government, opposition parties, and civil society.

    Herding Hope 2025: National Goat Summit Charts a Smart and Inclusive Future for India’s Goat Economy

    Farhad Vania, Portfolio Management Advisor, GIZ India emphasized GIZ’s commitment to agroforestry, agriculture, and goat-related projects in India through Indo-German partnerships.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you