Pacific Demands Ocean Action

Pacific Islands urge full ocean law implementation, climate action, and stronger partnerships at UN Ocean Action Panel 10.

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, speaking for the Pacific Islands Forum at the UN Ocean Action Panel 10, has called for stronger global action to uphold international ocean law and tackle climate change impacts in the Pacific.

“Pacific people are the custodians of the Blue Pacific Continent,” Manele told delegates, highlighting the region’s shared 2050 Strategy for ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource use.

He urged all parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to fully meet their obligations and reiterated the Forum’s support for the early entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

“We seek genuine partnerships and sustainable financing for effective implementation of the Agreement,” Manele said.

He noted, however, that many Pacific countries face capacity and resource limitations that hinder compliance with international legal obligations. He stressed that climate change continues to pose the greatest threat to the region’s security, livelihoods, and well-being.

The Prime Minister reminded global partners of two key Declarations endorsed by Forum Leaders: one on Preserving Maritime Zones, and another on Continuity of Statehood and Protection of Persons in response to sea-level rise.

“Both Declarations reinforce UNCLOS,” he said, urging the international community to support these positions.

Manele welcomed recent developments such as the International Law Commission’s report on sea-level rise and international law, and noted the region’s anticipation of the forthcoming opinion from the International Court of Justice.

Referencing the Honiara Summit hosted earlier this year in Solomon Islands on SDG 14.4, Manele called on development partners to support the implementation of the summit’s outcomes.

Source: OPMC