Prime Minister of Niue delivers National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Prime Minister of Niue, Honourable Dalton Tagelagi delivered a powerful address at the High Level Segment for Heads of State and Government at the 2024 United NaCons Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

With a global focus on mobilizing financial support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard communities from the escalating impacts of climate change, this year’s COP29 presents an urgent call for action.

Prime Minister Tagelagi’s national statement to the COP29 President emphasized the critical need for genuine global unity in addressing this shared crisis. “As we gather to confront climate change together, we must ask: are we truly standing united with the commitment to address the crisis impacting islands, territories, and continents alike? The goal of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius is slipping from our grasp,” he stated.

Highlighting the unique vulnerability of Niue and the Pacific region, Prime Minister Tagelagi reiterated that climate change remains the greatest threat to these communities. “Despite the challenges we continue to face, mounting impacts threaten our survival and resilience,” he noted. Although Niue is one of the world’s smallest emitters, the country endures some of the severest climate-related consequences.

Drawing attention to the 2023 IPCC Synthesis Report, Prime Minister Tagelagi expressed hope in the face of urgent action. “The report projects that $127 billion will be needed annually by 2030 to support adaptation in developing nations, yet adaptation financing currently falls short of half of this need. Developed nations must fulfill the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, dedicating at least 50% to adaptation and supporting the COP27 Loss and Damage Fund, as well as additional funding for Small Island Developing States.”

Prime Minister Tagelagi also called on multilateral climate funds to improve access for the most vulnerable nations, streamlining processes to ensure efficient and equitable resource allocation. Although Niue’s emissions are minimal, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans.

The Prime Minister concluded his remarks with a call for solidarity among global leaders. “Let us unite in solidarity at this COP and beyond to foster collective action toward true climate resilience. To the COP29 President Honourable Ilham Aliyev, the Government, and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to myself and my delegation in organizing this crucial conference.”

As COP29 unfolds, Niue’s voice serves as a reminder that the most vulnerable nations bear the heaviest burden in the face of climate change. The time to act and to implement our commitment is now, we must turn our words into action to protect our future.

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