Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat says the upcoming climate opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be a “defining moment in the global climate justice movement,” as the world awaits the court’s ruling on 23 July.
“We eagerly await the landmark opinion of the world’s highest court on the greatest existential challenge facing our planet: the climate crisis. The Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), is not just a legal milestone, it is a defining moment in the global climate justice movement and a beacon of hope for present and future generations,” Napat said in a statement ahead of the ICJ’s long-anticipated advisory opinion.
“Vanuatu and our fellow Small Island Developing States have long sounded the alarm as the seas rise around us, the storms grow stronger, and the cost of inaction deepens by the day. We have done so not out of fear, but from a place of courage, principle, and conviction that justice must prevail, and that the law must serve those most at risk”.
The legal opinion, requested by the UN General Assembly last year and spearheaded by Vanuatu, is expected to clarify states’ obligations under international law in relation to climate change.
“This case was born from a spark of hope from Pacific youth who dared to bring the world’s biggest problem before the world’s highest court, and their call was echoed by over 80 nations who stood together to demand climate justice.
“For the first time ever, the past decade includes the ten hottest years on record—and last year was the hottest ever. The United Nations tracked 152 unprecedented extreme weather events around the world in 2024, and this number will continue to grow as climate change continues to intensify,” PM Napat said.
The court’s opinion could influence future international climate negotiations, domestic litigation, and state responsibility frameworks, potentially increasing pressure on major emitters to act.
“A favourable opinion from the Court could affirm that States have had long-standing legal obligations to act on climate change, including obligations rooted in human rights and environmental law. It could clarify the legal consequences for States that have failed to meet these obligations. It could provide a powerful tool for courts, communities, and negotiators around the world to seek remedies for the climate injustices that have occurred. It could support vulnerable nations in securing climate finance, technology, and loss and damage support. And it could help shift the global response from promises to accountability.
“I am hopeful for a powerful opinion from the ICJ. It could set the world on a meaningful path to accountability and action,” said Napat.
Vanuatu and other Small Island Developing States have long pushed for stronger global accountability, warning that current frameworks like the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement are not delivering fast or fair enough action.
“We turned to the Court to clarify what international law already requires of States, because putting all our faith in mechanisms like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are not generating the actions the world urgently needs fast enough. We sought confirmation that States’ legal obligations extend to their climate-related actions, especially when those actions have caused harm beyond borders,” he said.
Regardless of the outcome, PM Napat said the process itself marks a historic step.
“But no matter the ICJ’s ruling, this will be a turning point in the fight for climate justice. This process has elevated the voices of climate-vulnerable nations, driven global awareness, and set the stage for stronger climate action. This ruling will give us a foundation to build upon, and this moment will inspire continued efforts for stronger action and accountability, inspiring bold efforts to protect our planet,” he said
The ICJ opinion will be delivered on July 23 at 3:00 pm CEST in The Hague.
