Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly
at the 114th Session of the International Organization for Migration
[Pre-recorded]
28 November 2023
Madame Director-General of the International Organization of Migration
Distinguished Ministers
Excellencies
Other Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the 114th Session of the International Organization for Migration convenes, I address you virtually, imbued with a profound sense of both responsibility and urgency.
Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Director-General Amy Pope for her exceptional leadership of this esteemed organization, at a time of growing challenge as global migration flows seem to grow exponentially.
As President of the United Nations General Assembly whose country of origin is a Small Island Developing State, Trinidad and Tobago, I have determined it necessary to place unrelenting focus on the climate crisis – prioritizing the plight of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In that regard, an issue of particular and deep personal concern is that of sea-level rise.
It is crucial that we shift our perspective on this multidimensional existential threat.
That we recognize that sea-level rise is, in fact, a global challenge, and has far-reaching implications for the future stability of impacted states – and most especially for migration.
Excellencies,
Let us take an honest look at the facts: by 2050, over 200 million people could be forced to abandon their homes due to the disastrous impacts of climate change.
Millions are already on the move, and as the sands of time steadily slip through our fingers, the risk of loss and damage grows greater.
We must not allow this undesirable scenario to unfold further – rather, we must, instead, recognize the magnitude of the forces at work and commit to take bold actions that create solutions to protect both the people and our planet.
Let us, again, confront the facts: developing countries, particularly the Small Island Developing States, bear the disproportionate consequences and costs of the climate crisis – despite having contributed the very least to it.
And – as we all know too well – those most affected are society’s most vulnerable, especially women and girls; young people; persons living with disabilities; indigenous peoples; amongst others.
With COP28 only a few days away, let us not only re-commit to environmental targets, but also work harder to advance social equity and inclusivity as integral components of a resilient global future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is imperative therefore, that we catalyse action on mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation – including through the timely mobilization of adequate, accessible resources for climate finance.
In seeking integrated and action-oriented solutions, we must:
– Re-imagine policies to anticipate risks, prioritize investments, and enable adaptive climate mobility.
– Roll out early warning systems, climate-related data and information services that also draw on the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage of communities, as well as on scientific expertise.
– Funnel climate finance into climate mobility hot spots in ways that support the adaptation of skills and livelihoods.
A bottom-up approach – that engages local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the scientific and academic communities – is the optimal path to solutions that keep people at the centre of our response.
My Office is working closely with the Global Centre for Climate Mobility to advance these priorities, and to ensure we are supporting the most affected countries and communities, in ways that best benefit them.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I conclude, I urge each one of you to rise to this existential challenge.
Climate mobility does not have to be a debacle for we are not helpless in this situation.
Realistically, we can choose instead to make it an opportunity for growth, adaptation, and shared prosperity – building resilience to better cope with the vicissitudes an uncertain future.
This is the perspective I encourage you to foster in your deliberations today.
Together, let us work to achieve climate justice and so forge a path towards a sustainable future, where no one, including the small island developing states, is left behind, anywhere. Such an outcome would indeed constitute climate justice.
I thank you.
