Vanuatu calls for UN Action on Climate Change

Moving forward together on climate

Six months ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion that clearly outlines the responsibilities of nations in safeguarding their peoples and communities against climate change and climate‐related disasters. Vanuatu has now introduced a UN General Assembly resolution to endorse and operationalise the ICJ decision. This is expected to be more contentious than the previous resolution. The draft not only welcomes and endorses the ruling but also includes some implementation measures.

Today, the global community has an opportunity to stand together in translating that guidance into concrete action. Vanuatu and its partners are fostering an inclusive, collaborative process that welcomes all voices, aiming to turn the Court’s vision into reality and build a resilient future for everyone.

From legal clarity to real-world action

The ICJ has provided clear guidance; the next step is for governments to work together to translate those words into concrete measures. We call on all states to engage in good‐faith cooperation with Vanuatu and the Core Group to craft and adopt the strongest possible resolution for the planet and for humanity. The Core Group’s diverse membership, including the Pacific, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe, underscores that this is a truly global concern.

We cannot delay any longer

Climate impacts are accelerating faster than political responses, and no one is spared. The past three years have been the hottest on record, and projections show that the critical 1.5°C threshold has already been exceeded. We can no longer afford to let action stall.

The ICJ advisory opinion offers one of the most pragmatic pathways for the world to cooperate on the climate crisis. It sets out shared rules and responsibilities that can restore confidence in international law and underscores that every nation has a duty to protect the communities already feeling — and continuing to feel — the adverse effects of climate change, wherever they are located.

Backing this resolution strengthens multilateralism at a moment when it is urgently needed. It is more than a symbol of hope; it is a decisive affirmation of our collective commitment to climate justice.

Global cooperation to solve a shared climate crisis

This resolution is presented in the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration. Climate change affects every nation and demands coordinated global action. From Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, the Pacific, and the Europe, the resolution invites all countries to help operationalise the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion.

Three years ago, governments, youth, civil‐society organisations, and frontline communities came together, leading to the historic Climate‐Change Advisory Opinion. Today, we renew that call, urging governments to listen to the voices of their peoples, unite once more, and lead the way forward. The informal sessions currently underway at the UN General Assembly provide a concrete opportunity for the international community to move from rhetoric to real, measurable action.

A time for the world to come together

The resolution testifies to continued cooperation among states even in uncertain moments. It builds on the inclusive collaboration that defined the ICJ Advisory Opinion campaign, a historic effort that achieved unprecedented consensus, broad participation, and genuine solidarity across nations.

SOURCE: Vanuatu Advocacy Package: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sr5ATZsuVGHPkGohAEJJSW7kkXub18K6/view