Palau’s Vice President and Minister of Justice, J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, marked the island nation’s 30th anniversary of independence with a powerful statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).
She urged world leaders to take decisive action on climate change, ocean conservation, and gender equality.
“The global response to climate change is a matter of life and death,” Senior told the assembly.
“Palau and other small island nations are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing rising sea levels, severe storms, and droughts. This is not just a threat; it’s an existential crisis.”
Palau, like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), contributes less than one percet of global greenhouse gas emissions but is disproportionately impacted by climate change. Senior pointed out that the nation has been forced to relocate critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, due to rising waters.
“Our National Adaptation Plan prioritises immediate and long-term actions to protect our people and ecosystems. But we cannot do it alone. Global cooperation is essential to reduce emissions and protect our future,” she said.
Senior emphasised Palau’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices but highlighted the need for responsible management of renewable energy waste. “We remain mindful of the environmental impacts of solar panels and batteries and call for their proper disposal,” she added.
As Co-Chair of the Ocean Panel, alongside Norway, Palau is a leader in shaping global ocean governance.
Senior reaffirmed Palau’s commitment to sustainable ocean management, urging nations to act ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
“We have declared a national moratorium on deep-sea mining to protect our marine ecosystems. We call on the global community to do the same until the full impact of deep-sea mining is understood,” she said.
Palau was the first country to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, and Senior urged the swift ratification of the treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity. “This treaty symbolizes global unity in protecting our oceans. It’s time for all nations to step up,” she said.
Celebrating the role of women in Palauan society, Senior highlighted recent efforts to empower women in entrepreneurship and traditional roles, such as caretakers of the taro patch. These initiatives are aimed at reducing Palau’s dependence on food imports and preserving local traditions.
“We are working to reduce food imports from 80 percent to 60 percent by 2030 by promoting local food production,” Senior said. “This not only strengthens our food security but preserves our cultural heritage.”
She also drew attention to Palau’s “Meeting of Women in Elected Leadership,” which took place in 2023, as a pivotal moment for advancing gender equality. “Women are at the heart of Palau’s development. Their voices must be amplified in every arena,” she stressed.
Looking ahead, Senior announced Palau’s upcoming role as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) from 2025 to 2026.
The island nation plans to focus on climate finance, resilience, and the sustainable future of island nations.
“We will lead the charge in ensuring that the voices of SIDS remain at the forefront of global discussions. Our survival depends on it,” Senior said
Palau also reaffirmed its strong relationship with Taiwan, calling for its meaningful participation in international organisations. “Excluding Taiwan undermines the principles of inclusivity and cooperation that the UN represents,” she said.
As Palau continues to face the challenges of climate change, economic development, and equality, Senior concluded with a rallying cry: “We must unite to confront the existential threat of climate change, protect our oceans, and ensure no nation—no matter how small—is left behind.”
This story was written by Pita Ligaiula, originally published at PACNEWS on 27 September 2024.
