Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo hosted the inaugural Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) Leaders’ Meeting in New York, marking a new platform for regional unity and dialogue.
“As we convene for the first time under the PSIDS banner, let us be reminded of the strength found in our unity and the profound significance of our traditional values,” Prime Minister Teo told leaders.
He stressed the importance of creating a dedicated space for small island states to speak collectively.
“Our gathering is not merely a meeting of minds but a beacon of hope for our people,” Teo said, stressing that PSIDS must remain united on key UN-driven agendas affecting the Pacific.
Calling for stronger collaboration, he added: “Together, we will navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead for the prosperity and well-being of our Pacific nations.”
Beyond the PSIDS meeting, Prime Minister Teo also joined the High Seas Treaty Roundtable, a key UNGA side event hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
The roundtable came as the treaty reached the ratification threshold needed to enter into force, opening the way for the creation of new marine protected areas in international waters.
“The health of our oceans is critical for Tuvalu’s survival and prosperity,” Teo said.
“This roundtable is not just about policy; it’s about protecting our future and the future of our islands.”
In his remarks, Teo shared the challenges faced by PSIDS in monitoring and surveillance, strengthening science-based decision-making, and ensuring compatibility between protections within national jurisdictions and those applied in the high seas.
By attending, he reinforced Tuvalu’s leadership in global ocean governance, while amplifying the Pacific’s call for stronger, more effective strategies to safeguard marine ecosystems for generations to come.
