President of the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM), Wesley Simina took the global stage at the UN, urging immediate, bold action on climate change, ocean protection, and sustainable development.
Simina’s speech highlighted Micronesia’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change while championing global unity as essential for peace and progress.
“Kamorale,” Simina explaining that this word, coined as Micronesia’s national greeting, embodies the spirit of unity and solidarity among the islands and extends that ethos to the global stage.
“In a world where global challenges require collective action, Kamorale reminds us that our strength and solutions come from our ability to come together,” he said, urging the international community to embrace collaboration to achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Simina made clear that climate change remains Micronesia’s greatest existential threat, highlghting the ongoing emergency faced by the Pacific island nation.
“Even as I speak today, we are in a state of emergency due to an extended drought,” he said. “Every degree, every inch of sea-level rise, and every delay matters.”
The Micronesian president stressed that time is running out to prevent global temperatures from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—a threshold that could spell disaster for many small island nations.
“The 1.5-degree goal is the safety limit for our small islands. Beyond that lies a danger zone with deadly heat that will cost lives and drown many of our low-lying islands,” Simina said.
He called on the world’s largest emitters to cut non-CO2 pollutants such as methane, fluorinated gases, and black carbon.
“We need to control temperatures now. Cutting these pollutants is the only way to protect our islands in the short term,” he stated, urging that ambitious goals for non-CO2 pollutants be included in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
In a bold move, President Simina announced that Micronesia would endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, joining a growing international movement to phase out fossil fuels.
“We need all countries to come together and agree on a global plan to transition away from fossil fuels in a fair, just, and equitable manner,” Simina said, calling on nations to intensify efforts in the fight against the climate crisis.
The president also emphasised the direct connection between climate change and ocean health. With sea levels rising, Micronesia and other Pacific nations face an existential crisis that threatens livelihoods, ecosystems, and security. However, Simina was resolute that these challenges would not jeopardise Micronesia’s statehood or sovereignty.
“Sea-level rise does not diminish our rights under international law,” Simina stressed, referencing the legal protection of maritime zones as affirmed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The statehood and sovereignty of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) members will endure regardless of the impacts of climate change,” he said.
On the issue of deep-sea mining, Simina signaled that Micronesia would take a cautious approach, noting that the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently negotiating regulations for seabed exploitation.
“We will consider all relevant factors, and we urge the ISA to finalise all relevant standards and guidelines before any exploitation occurs,” he said, emphasising the need for comprehensive scientific understanding and consultation with local communities.
As an advocate for ocean conservation, Simina highlighted Micronesia’s leadership on marine biodiversity, proudly noting that the country was among the first to sign and ratify the BBNJ Agreement—a landmark international treaty to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. He called on other nations to follow suit and join the effort to operationalise the agreement.
Simina also urged global support for the upcoming treaty to end plastic pollution, which is set to be negotiated in Busan, South Korea, later this year.
“This treaty must address plastic pollution at its source—plastic production, particularly primary plastic polymers derived from fossil fuels,” he asserted, stressing that regulating plastics production is vital for both ocean health and the broader fight against climate change.
Beyond climate and ocean issues, Simina expressed concern over Micronesia’s struggle with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which he described as a national health emergency.
“NCDs account for 75 percent of all deaths in Micronesia,” he revealed. “The persistence of these diseases warrants renewed support and stronger partnerships.”
Acknowledging decades of efforts under the “Healthy Islands” initiative, Simina called for a re-evaluation of strategies to combat NCDs, emphasising that Micronesia’s health crisis undermines national development and workforce productivity.
On matters of global security, Simina condemned ongoing conflicts, including the invasion of Ukraine and the violence between Israel and Palestine.
“We condemn the killing of innocent civilians and urge all parties to work towards peaceful resolutions,” he said, reiterating Micronesia’s steadfast support for international peace and dialogue.
Simina also echoed calls from Pacific Island nations to establish a UN Special Representative for Climate, Peace, and Security.
He emphasised that the UN Security Council must adapt to address climate-related security threats and called for a comprehensive reform of the Council to reflect the realities of the modern world.
“It is time for permanent membership of the Security Council to be expanded to include Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and representation from Africa,” he said.
Simina also stressed the importance of investing in the next generation and highlighted Micronesia’s progress on gender equality, noting the recent election of three women to Congress, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape.
“Our young people are the innovators, the visionaries, and the problem-solvers who will carry the torch of climate action and global justice,” he said, urging world leaders to empower youth to shape the future.
“Strengthening gender equality is a priority within my administration,” he said.
Ending his speech, Simina called for bold, unified global action.
“Let this Assembly be remembered not for words spoken, but for deeds done, for promises kept.
“Micronesia is ready to play its part. Together, we can build a world where peace, prosperity, and sustainability are not just aspirations but realities for all,” he said.
