DAVID W.R. ADEANG, President of Nauru, said that as a nation surrounded by water, his country has a vested interest in the responsible stewardship of the ocean’s marine resources, and has led international efforts to protect and sustainably use those resources.  That includes developing and adopting the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction and exploring the deep seabed’s mineral resources, in line with the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.  “The greatest risk we face is not the potential environmental impacts of mineral recovery but the risk of inaction,” he said, calling on the international community and the International Seabed Authority Council to acknowledge the science and progress achieved and work with ocean States to establish and adopt robust regulations to conserve and sustain the use of marine resources.  “We have the science, we have the technology, and we have the imperative. Let us rise to the challenge and opportunity before us, employing our advancements for the good of all, and let the time for action be now,” he said.

He said that for countries like Nauru, equitable access to banking is a lifeline as it faces the growing threat of the loss of correspondent banking relationships.  “This challenge transcends financial concerns; it strikes at the heart of our sovereignty and dignity,” he said.  He was encouraged by the recent adoption of the multidimensional vulnerability index and called on the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other financial institutions to integrate the index into their frameworks.  “It is not just another statistic,” he said.  “It is a tool that provides a more accurate picture of our national circumstances, our strengths, our challenges, our potential.”  Turning to peace and development issues, he continued to call for an immediate, unconditional end to the decades-long embargo imposed on Cuba.  He encouraged the international community to reaffirm its commitment to build bridges of understanding, nurture empathy and promote reconciliation. “We must focus on building bridges, not walls, and work towards a more integrated, connected world,” he said.

Regarding the long overdue need for Council reform, he said the entity must reflect this century’s geopolitical realities, noting legitimate concerns about representation, effectiveness and the Council’s ability to address contemporary security issues.  The imperative for peaceful resolutions and lasting peace in conflict-affected regions underscores the critical need for a reformed and strengthened Council.  “Let us be the leaders who bring about a new era of peace and reconciliation,” he said.  He continued to call on the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative on Climate and Security.  Having endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, he said he eagerly awaits the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change.  While welcoming the Pact for the Future’s ambition, he was disappointed by the removal of Action 21, noting that Nauru and the Group of Friends on Climate and Security advocated for its inclusion to address the security threats posed by the climate crises.

He urged developed nations to recognize their historical responsibility for emissions and honour their obligations under the Paris Agreement by providing the promised climate financing and technology transfer.  “Support our efforts to transition to renewable energy, to enhance our climate resilience and to protect our biodiversity,” he said.  He urged the international community to work with Nauru to establish the robust regulations necessary for responsible mining, and extended a hand in solidarity to fellow developing nations.  “Let us share knowledge, resources, and solutions.  Let us amplify our collective voice, for in unity, there is strength,” he said.  He called on the UN to fulfil its founding promise.  “Be a bastion of multilateralism, the resolute champion of the vulnerable, and the bold catalyst for the transformative change our world so desperately needs,” he said.