Remarks by the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the Breakfast Summit on Sea-Level Rise
[As Delivered]
21 September 2023
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for joining this High-Level Breakfast Summit of which I am delighted to be a co-host this morning – on a subject that is so significant to many in attendance here today.
Our discussion addresses an issue of immense importance, which – for me hailing from a small island state region – I am wholeheartedly determined to ensure it receives the attention it deserves.
One consistent message resonating throughout High-Level Week is this: the climate crisis is unfolding rapidly, our current efforts are inadequate, and we are racing against the clock.
Today, our focus is on transcending conventional climate policy processes to embrace more inclusive and innovative approaches to climate change, including sea-level rise.
Excellencies,
The multifaceted crises we face transcend borders and span generations.
Among them, climate change stands as perhaps the most formidable of all.
For many, especially Small Island Developing States, it represents an existential threat. This is not speculation or over exaggeration. It is real.
Accordingly, there is a clear expectation for the United Nations to substantially intensify its efforts to address its diverse ramifications.
Indeed, the IPCC estimates that global sea levels will rise between 15 and 30 centimetres, on average, with greater increases expected in equatorial regions.
Extreme sea-level events – which used to occur once every century – could become an annual phenomenon by the close of this century.
And, a staggering 900 million people living in low-lying coastal zones are at risk of losing their homes due to rising sea levels and climate impacts.
This issue extends far beyond coastal populations – it affects every continent and region, leaving no one immune from potential catastrophe.
Fertile river deltas like the Mississippi, Mekong, and Nile – the world’s breadbaskets – are sinking.
Urgent, substantial action is imperative to preserve their productivity and the multitude of livelihoods that depend on them.
Rising temperatures and ocean acidification also severely impact fish populations and their ecosystems -exacerbating the challenges faced by hundreds of millions worldwide.
Beyond the crushing impacts on livelihoods and communities, sea-level rise carries further implications, spanning environmental, legal, political, technical, economic, cultural, and human rights dimensions.
Not only do we risk losing land, but also the rich cultural and historical heritage of these islands and regions that have helped to shape people’s identities.
As the adage goes: “Culture is the compass that guides us, and when it is lost, we lose our way in the world.”
Excellencies,
In international forums like the UN, we must no longer perceive these consequences – including climate-induced displacement – as issues solely afflicting developing countries.
This is a global challenge requiring solidarity and unity among all nations.
But we must be mindful that it also raises important questions about the essence of our identities – as sovereign, and united, nations.
Sea-level rise threatens the statehood and maritime territorial integrity of countries, particularly for Pacific SIDS.
The United Nations should safeguard the inalienability of the affected countries’ sovereignty.
The international community must act now, as this challenge cannot rest solely on the shoulders of frontline communities.
We must strengthen adaptive capacities, resilience, and mitigate climate-related losses and damages through quick impact projects and other solutions.
We must forge strong partnerships to address the adverse impacts of sea-level rise – pooling resources, knowledge, and technology.
Let us raise our collective ambition and take bold, much-needed action.
Our meeting today strategically precedes significant landmark summits like COP28 and the 4th SIDS Conference.
I call on you all to prioritize the issue of sea-level rise.
After today’s Breakfast Summit, I will work with the Global Centre for Climate Mobility to follow-up on the commitments made, ensuring accountability and continuous momentum towards our shared goals.
We must see this issue for what it is: an existential threat to nations, peoples, culture, and heritage.
I have full confidence that you will accord this matter the gravity it rightfully deserves.
Thank you.
