Vanuatu has welcomed the adoption of a landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on climate change, describing the vote as a major victory for climate justice and international law.
Following the adoption of the resolution on 20 May, Prime Minister Jotham Napat expressed gratitude to the 141 Member States that voted in favour and the 90 countries that co-sponsored the initiative.
He described the vote as “a powerful affirmation that the international community remains committed to the rule of law, multilateral cooperation, and climate justice at a time when these principles are being tested.”
Speaking on behalf of the people of Vanuatu, the Prime Minister praised countries that supported the resolution despite facing external pressure.
“Many countries faced significant pressure to step back from this resolution. Instead, they chose principle over politics and solidarity over division. In doing so, they demonstrated leadership worthy of this moment in history,” he said in a statement.
He paid tribute to climate-vulnerable nations around the world for helping preserve what he called the “climate justice heart of the initiative,” saying the outcome held special significance for communities already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.
“For nations and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, today’s vote is not symbolic. It is recognition that international law applies to climate change, and that the protection of people and planet is a shared responsibility of all States,” Napat said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role played by the Core Group of countries, diplomatic missions, legal experts, civil society organisations, Pacific law students and youth movements in advancing the initiative.
“Above all,” he said, the effort was inspired by “the Pacific law students and global youth movements whose vision and determination inspired this global movement from the beginning.”
Reflecting on the journey, Napat noted that three years ago the General Assembly had agreed to seek guidance from the world’s highest court on the obligations of States in responding to climate change.
“The Court has now answered unanimously. Today, the General Assembly chose to listen and act,” he said.
Napat stressed that the resolution marked the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of the process.
“The adoption of this resolution does not conclude this journey — it begins a new chapter.
The task before all of us now is to translate legal clarity into meaningful action, stronger cooperation, and greater protection for present and future generations.”
He reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to continue working with Member States “in a spirit of unity, good faith, and shared responsibility” as efforts to advance climate action and accountability move forward.
The resolution was adopted after intense discussion, including multiple proposed amendments, with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions.
