Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni didn’t mince his words at the Leaders’ Summit of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on Climate Change, hosted by Azerbaijan saying that island nations are running out of time.
Addressing global leaders, Sovaleni called for urgent action and solidarity, emphasising that climate change is not just a challenge—it’s an existential threat.
Sovaleni praised Azerbaijan for its leadership as the COP29 Presidency and expressed his appreciation for the chance to bring SIDS concerns to the forefront.
“I had the pleasure of hosting you in my country, Tonga, during the 53rd Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting. It was an opportunity to showcase the realities we face as a small island developing state and to highlight the urgent existential threat posed by climate change to our island nations,” Sovaleni said.
In a blunt assessment of the global community’s track record, he pointed to a familiar frustration among island nations.
“One of our Forum member countries made the bold decision not to attend COP29, not because they do not recognise climate change as a critical issue, but as a protest against the inaction they observe at the global level,” he said, highlighting sentiment shared by many Pacific and island nations.
Sovaleni, representing the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, highlighted the diversity and unity of the Forum, stressing that their collective strength lies in shared experiences and a common threat.
“For us in the Pacific, these issues are matters of survival,” he said.
With COP29, the Tongan leader called on SIDS representatives to push for ambitious climate targets, specifically demanding that the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the climate finance goals prioritise limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“We must move forward together in a way that benefits all our member states,” he insisted.
Sovaleni acknowledged the historical failures of past UN Climate Conferences, but he urged Pacific nations to maintain their presence on the global stage, warning that without their input, decisions would be shaped by those with less at stake.
“We also understand that without our presence, those with differing views may shape outcomes that do not serve our interests,” he said.
The Prime Minister didn’t shy away from praising his regional allies.
He commended Samoa’s Minister for leadership as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), along with Grenada’s Minister for their role in the Caribbean Community.
“I would like to express my gratitude… for their steadfast solidarity with all of us in SIDS,” he added.
Acknowledging the steep road ahead, he urged fellow island leaders to stay the course, even when negotiations become challenging.
“There will be late nights ahead, and not everything will go according to plan. Please do not be disheartened. It is your passion and commitment that give us all hope,” Sovaleni said.
In a final call to action, Sovaleni emphasised the Pacific’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, despite being among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
He insisted that this vulnerability only strengthens the region’s resolve to advocate for global accountability.
“Despite our minimal contribution to the issue of climate change, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that it does not become a matter of survival for anyone,” he said.
Sovaleni promised support for Azerbaijan’s presidency, aiming to ensure that the outcomes reflect the priorities of island nations.
“We are ready to provide support as needed to ensure that COP29 outcomes reflect our priorities,” he assured.
