Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,?

Mr. Dennis Francis,?

At the?Closing?of the Informal Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on Existential Threats of Sea-level Rise Amidst the Climate Crisis

3 November 2023

Video link:?

[As Delivered]

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Honourable Ministers,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

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We have come to the end of our informal meeting spotlighting the issue of sea-level rise amidst the climate crisis.

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for your active engagement during this meeting, on one of the most consequential issues of our time.

The message you have sent today is relevant and comes at an opportune time for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly to act ¨C and act now.

Sea-level rise poses a real existential threat to low-lying and Small Island Developing States, and their coastal communities.

It is the single greatest menace to livelihoods, security, and safety of the affected communities.

Today, I am proud that we have taken decisive steps towards refining our understanding of the dynamics of sea-level rise and building momentum for urgent and targeted action for redress.

This includes,

  • Addressing the speculations around the continuity of statehood and protecting the?maritime territorial integrity?of Member States, and the future status of their Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ membership,
  • Mobilizing a coalition of like-minded countries to ensure that Small Island Developing States and low-lying coastal areas are prioritized in climate action and climate finance,
  • And, shoring up robust advocacy and greater political action on relevant legal issues,
  • Safeguarding the cultural heritage of countries threatened by sea-level rise, sustaining their livelihoods and strengthening their resilience.

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Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Following this meeting, I will be attending the 52nd?Pacific Islands Forum Summit, where I will engage directly with the leaders in that region and use the opportunity to inform them of the outcomes of this meeting.

I will also participate in COP28 in Dubai at the end of the month, with a view to stimulating and shoring up critical political support on this issue.

And I will work closely with the?Secretary-General and the Director General of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO, particularly on the issue of heritage sites at risk from coastal hazards.

We owe it to all affected communities to ensure predictability, sustainability, and security amidst the climate crisis.

As we do, let us draw inspiration from the Pacific proverb of Tiki Tangata?¨C which captures the spirit of people united, working together?for collective good.

As a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, I am moved by this notion as we too use a word to capture this very idea: ¡°Gayap¡± which means ¡°many hands make light work¡±.

A reminder that there is no substitute for cooperation and collaboration on matters of existential concern.

With this, I thank you again for your active participation, and adjourn this meeting.

Thank you.