The Secretary-General met today in Paris with H.E. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati; H.E. Christopher Loeak, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; H.E. Kenny Davis Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; H.E. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados; and H.E. Mr. Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu.

The Secretary-General encouraged them to continue to lead the action on climate change and stressed the vital role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the overall process, particularly in light of their high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

They emphasized the importance of the below 1.5 Celsius degree goal and concretely addressing loss and damage to SIDS. The Secretary-General counted on their commitment, along with that of SIDS in general, to push for an ambitious and universal agreement to be reached at the UN Climate Change Conference COP21.

In this regard, the Secretary-General urged the leaders to remain personally engaged with their counterparts to resolve difficult issues, as their leadership would likely be required to help remove any obstacles to finalizing such an agreement.