Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati, said the UN80 initiative responds well to the needs of small island developing States and least developed countries, whose specific needs require assistance from the UN.  Kiribati calls for reforms that increase efficiency and ensure that mandates most vital to vulnerable nations, such as climate action, are protected.  In that vein, he said Kiribati is employing traditional and modern strategies to adapt to sea level rise to protect livelihoods and preserve culture.  He also urged global action to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and support the most vulnerable countries through the Loss and Damage Fund.

Describing the recent International Court of Justice decision on climate change as a “milestone” that ensures the existence of Kiribati and other vulnerable nations,, he said it demonstrates what “the ‘Blue Pacific’ can successfully achieve collectively and […] secures the full legal certainty and permanence of our maritime zones, irrespective of the impacts of climate change”. The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index is particularly important for Kiribati to determine its needs in that context, he added.

Highlighting the importance of the ocean to Kiribati’s identity, economy and food security, he called on the Assembly to support the BBNJ Treaty.  Illegal and unregulated fishing causes losses of up to $600 million for the island — income that could fund universal child health care.  The issue can be addressed through strong multilateral ocean governance in line with UN principles, he said, adding that his country will also raise the price of its tuna to increase profits and preserve the resource.

“Equitable and predictable development financing is vital for Kiribati’s future,” he declared, adding that improving access to concessional finance and bridging the digital divide are key for States to meet development goals.  The Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries is important in that regard.  Reaffirming the need for multilateralism to address global challenges, he said “by embracing cooperation, solidarity, and multilateral engagement, we can shape a future in which all nations, particularly the most vulnerable, can thrive and prosper”.