Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo will be recognised for his leadership on issues facing countries threatened by rising sea levels at the Rising Nations Gala Dinner in New York on Monday.
Teo will receive the Rising Nations Leaders Award for his leadership and commitment to advancing international action for countries and communities facing the impacts of sea-level rise.
The Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), which announced the award, said Tuvalu and other low-lying nations see the UN process towards a Declaration on Sea-Level Rise as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation on statehood, rights, heritage, adaptation and dignified climate mobility.
Through its role as secretariat of the Coalition for Addressing Sea-Level Rise and its Existential Threats Coalition for Small States on Sea-Level Rise (C-SET), GCCM has supported the Member State-led process towards the declaration, bringing countries and technical expertise together around priorities for communities on the frontlines of rising seas.
The organisation said the gala would recognise leadership and international solidarity that have helped bring sea-level rise and climate mobility issues to the global agenda.
It will also focus on translating international commitments into practical action for vulnerable countries and communities.
The Rising Nations Gala Dinner will be held in New York on 21 September 2026.
