26 September 2012: On the second day of the High-level Debate of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), convening from 25 September-1 October 2012, in New York, US, Kiribati stressed the existential threat posed by climate change to the country.

President of Kiribati Anote Tong underscored the continued urgent need for action on climate change and sea level rise, to ensure Kiribati’s long-term survival. Citing the issue as “the greatest moral challenge of our times,” he outlined steps taken by the Government to ensure the country remains habitable for as long as possible. He also discussed efforts to ensure that i-Kiribati have the option to migrate with dignity when the time comes.

Reflecting on the current climate negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), he said waiting for agreement on everything would mean “it will be too late to do anything.”

On the sustainable development of Kiribati, Tong described the importance of fisheries and the potential of seabed mining, and urged donors to support the country in developing both. He highlighted Kiribati’s Phoenix Island marine park as a gift to humanity, and drew attention to plans underway with the US and the Cook Islands to join Pacific marine parks through the Phoenix Ocean Arc. [Kiribati Statement]