Palau’s President Surangel Whipps, Jr used the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum to call for action on climate mobility, telling global leaders that the issue is already affecting Pacific communities and requires practical solutions grounded in dignity and justice.
He delivered the opening remarks at the forum oalongside other heads of state, adding Palau’s voice to international efforts to advance cooperation on climate mobility and endorse shared Climate Mobility Principles.
The forum, co-hosted by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility and the Robert Bosch Stiftung, brought together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, civil society groups and frontline leaders.
“For Palau, climate mobility is not a future concern—it is a present reality,” President Whipps said.
He highlighted the impacts of sea-level rise, king tides, coral bleaching, extreme heat and changing rainfall patterns on Pacific communities, livelihoods, culture and water security.
“Palau’s position is that people should have the right to remain in their islands, maintain their culture and stay connected to their ancestral lands, while also having access to safe, orderly and dignified pathways for mobility when necessary”.
The government said the forum’s focus on local adaptation finance, community-led solutions and the protection of rights reflect the urgency facing climate-vulnerable communities.
“Palau stands ready to work with partners to turn principles into action and ensure climate mobility responses are grounded in resilience, solidarity, and hope—for communities facing climate impacts today and tomorrow.”
On the margins of the forum, President Whipps held a bilateral meeting with Ottilie Bälz, Senior Vice President for Global Issues at the Robert Bosch Stiftung.
The discussion focused on climate mobility challenges, including coastal erosion, preserving cultural identity, strengthening community resilience and working through local networks to ensure funding reaches communities directly.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of international cooperation that advances justice, human dignity and meaningful support for climate-vulnerable communities.
President Whipps also met with International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope to discuss the organisation’s ongoing work in Palau, including disaster resilience, post-disaster support and Palau’s key priorities.
Separately, in Brussels, President Whipps met with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
The bilateral meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between Palau and the European Union and continuing cooperation on issues including climate change, climate financing and EU support for Palau.
President Whipps also met with Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration between Palau and Belgium, strengthening ties between the two countries and supporting climate action and community resilience initiatives.
Other areas discussed included production, tourism and the Pacific Resilient Facility (PRF), a funding mechanism that supports Pacific countries.
