Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

21 April 2022

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank Mr. David Marcotte, President of the Psychology Coalition of NGOs having consultative status with ECOSOC, for inviting me to speak.

I was told today’s theme of “Psychology Building Hope: Contributions to a Roadmap for Climate Action” has been inspired by my Presidency of Hope – I am humbled and honored by this gesture.

I was once asked what success would mean for my Presidency of Hope – my response was this: if I could imbue hope anywhere, in any small way, that to me is success. I believe today’s meeting has elevated this message of hope, and I am deeply appreciative.

You see, when I chose the theme of hope, I did so with an understanding that hope constitutes a common denominator for all of humanity.

Hope is a mediator. Hope is a solution. Hope is both aspiration and a tool to achieve aspirations. It is a psychological solution that is needed today more than ever.

Excellencies, dear friends,

The collective toll and physical scars of climate change extend far and deep.

The bushfires of North America and the Southern Hemisphere.

The persistent and frequent droughts of Africa and the Middle East.

The sea level rise threatening small island nations and coastal cities.

The floods and torrential rains of Asia Pacific.

The melting glaciers and sea ice of Antarctica.

None on this planet are unaffected.

Yet climate change is not felt equally by all; Least Developing Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States feel the impacts sooner and harsher. They have less capacity to prepare or to buffer against the impacts.

While climate change is rightly a concern for the tangible and immediate necessities of life, such as land, food, water, and shelter, there is also an intangible, psychological effect.

For small islands like my own the Maldives, the very threat of sea level rise affects people and communities on a deeply emotional and personal level, long before the water affects their lives.

For a young person living on low-lying islands, for communities building back homes wondering when the next storm will hit, for farmers looking out for rainier days – the fear and inquisition of tomorrow fuels anxiety and uncertainty for the future.

That is why today’s meeting is so important.

Psychology as a roadmap to climate action considers the intangible, emotional and mental context of climate change.? Human perceptions, behaviors and mental well-being are affected by climate change. And the alternative is also true, our feelings, perceptions and behaviors can help chart a way out of the climate crisis, or lead us to inaction if we deem to challenge too insurmountable.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Today’s discussion is about these very linkages between psychology and climate action. It recognizes that a cynical, hopeless population will be disinterested and demotivated, unable to pursue the kind of transformational changes needed to address climate change.

The world needs fundamental changes at every level, and across all sectors and societies. And we have it within our reach to undertake these changes. All we need is the political will to make it happen.

We must be hopeful that it is possible. We must be optimistic for the future.

And in reaching for this possibility, we will build hope.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Recent developments have given me cause for hope.

  • The adoption of a landmark resolution on human rights and climate change by the Human Rights Council; The resolution is a culmination of more than 15 years of advocacy led by several countries, including the Maldives.
  • The appointment of a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
  • The?adoption of the landmark 蘑菇视频EA Resolution,?‘End Plastic Pollution: Towards a legally binding instrument’ by 2024.

Likewise, the outcomes of COP26, while far from ideal, also provided steps in the right direction. This includes the decision to ‘phase down’ fossil fuel and deforestation.

It is my intention to help build on this. In July, I will convene a ‘Moment of Nature’ event, which I hope will serve as yet another opportunity to inspire hope amongst our citizens. This event will allow for an opportunity for member states and stakeholders to share strategies and bridge gaps on nature and climate action.

I look forward to the Coalition’s contribution at these upcoming events and again welcome your commitment to tackling the psychological impacts of climate change – and your message of hope.

I thank you.