Palau’s Minister for Environment, Steven Victor, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), has called for urgent, tangible action ahead of COP30 to ensure the Paris Agreement delivers results for vulnerable nations.
“Without adequate finance, technology, and capacity-building delivered at scale, the Paris Agreement cannot succeed, and we will have failed our youth and future generations,” Victor told the Ministerial Roundtable at the Pre-COP meeting in Brasília.
He thanked the incoming Brazilian Presidency for its “open and transparent engagement” and said AOSIS views this moment as one of reaffirmation, not just reflection, as the world marks ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
“The Paris Agreement remains a remarkable achievement and a testament to what multilateralism can deliver,” Victor said.
“Its architecture is in place, but it will only fulfil its promise if matched with real support. The decisive factor remains the means of implementation.”
Victor urged developed nations to triple outflows from existing climate funds and increase public finance for adaptation.
“Small island states and vulnerable communities already face severe impacts and need predictable and accessible resources,” he said.
“Delivering on this would send a powerful signal that climate finance is reaching those who need it most and that multilateralism is delivering results.”
He stressed that COP30 must be the “moment to course correct” and accelerate implementation across mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.
“We must act with urgency to drive NDC ambition and close the gap towards limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Every year of delay reduces our chances of achieving this legally binding limit,” Victor said.
While welcoming new NDC submissions, he warned that current ambition remains insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target. “COP30 must therefore focus on accelerating implementation across mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage,” he said.
Victor said the most ambitious and balanced outcomes for COP30 will be those that prove the Paris Agreement can work in practice.
“By delivering on these outcomes, we can restore confidence in multilateralism and show that the system can deliver for people and for the planet.
“AOSIS stands ready to work with all partners to ensure COP30 rises to this moment and produces results that matter,” he said.
