Hilda Heine, President of Marshall Islands, said her low-lying atoll nation, like others in the Pacific region, is on the front lines of climate change.  The scale of the impact depends on global powers working together, but only urgent action can reduce vulnerability and strengthen the region’s free and democratic nations.  “We need the world to better understand that our security is linked to our fragility.” Recalling the legacy of 67 atmospheric nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, when the Marshall Islands was under UN trusteeship and administered by the United States, she said that rising global tensions have heightened nuclear risk. However, significant disagreement remains, including ultimate responsibility for what remains today. “Our communities seek justice, a clean environment and safe return to their homes,” she said.  With the Trusteeship Council meeting in December, the United Nations should acknowledge and apologize for what took place in its name and under its flag, she added.

Welcoming the positive momentum seen at the Ocean Conference in Nice, France, she said that her country — “a small-island and large-ocean nation” — is acutely aware of the threat of overfishing, unsustainable marine resource exploitation and the growing impacts of climate change.  The Marshall Islands supports a moratorium on high-seas seabed mining until there are adequate safeguards and a close understanding of the impacts on biodiversity.  “More political will is needed to break through a mentality of ‘drill first, ask later,’” she said, emphasizing that seabed mining cannot go ahead at the expense of Pacific waters and vast fisheries.

Turning to the Paris Agreement, she said that most countries are failing to meet their obligations, with only 32 States, including hers, submitting new climate targets.  Billions of dollars in climate finance are needed, but promises do not develop mangrove defences, shore up hospitals and schools against rising seas or preserve cultures deeply tied to lands that are slipping under the waves. “It is past time for the rich world to meet its obligations and get money to where it’s needed most,” she said, emphasizing that the $1 trillion climate finance gap must be closed.

Turning to other issues, she underscored the need for island-driven partnerships to tackle non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, which significantly impact Pacific island States. She called for strong leadership and accountability to resolve the Ukraine crisis, explaining that while Pacific islands are halfway across the world, they have a direct interest in the way they are treated in the footsteps of larger powers.  She went on to support the addition of Japan and India, among others, as permanent members of the Security Council, and stated that General Assembly resolution 2758 does not confer or justify coercion or the seizure of sovereign control of Taiwan.