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Writer's pictureElinor Kahurangi

A Call for Justice: The Voices of Small Island Nations Resonate at COP29



In the sprawling halls of COP29, a voice of clarity and urgency rose above the din of

negotiations and debate—a voice representing the 39 nations that form the Alliance

of Small Island States (AOSIS). His Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster,

Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa, delivered a

powerful message on behalf of those nations most vulnerable to the impacts of

climate change. It was not merely a plea for survival but a rallying cry for action

rooted in equity and justice.


Speaking with conviction, Minister Schuster reminded the global community that

climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality. “Hotter summers,

colder winters, and the possibility of losing entire countries,” he said, underscore the

devastating impact of a crisis disproportionately borne by small island nations and

low-lying coastal states. These nations, with fragile economies and limited

resources, are on the front lines of climate change yet have the least capacity to

address its impacts.


A Demand for Climate Justice

The Minister’s words cut to the heart of what has long been an imbalance in global

climate action. While trillions are spent on fossil fuel infrastructure, he noted,

humanity is “doing nothing to save itself” from the worsening effects of climate

change. Immediate, ambitious action is needed, he urged, starting with the

implementation of bold Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris

Agreement. Deep emission cuts must be our key priority, he emphasised, calling

for a move away from “business as usual” and toward resilience.


Minister Schuster also reminded attendees of the international communityʻs long-

standing recognition of the special needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS),

from the 1992 Rio Declaration to the reaffirmation earlier this year in Antigua and

Barbuda. Yet recognition without action, he argued, is hollow. Agreements must fully

address the unique vulnerabilities of these nations to prevent the failure of the Paris

Agreement itself.


Climate Finance: A Beacon of Hope

At the heart of the Minister’s speech was a resounding call for climate finance to

become the cornerstone of COP29. He articulated AOSIS’s demand for a minimum

allocation of $39 billion annually for SIDS and $220 billion for Least Developed

Countries (LDCs). These funds, he said, must not only support mitigation and


adaptation but also address the ever-growing need for financing loss and

damage—a key ask that SIDS has long championed.


“Transparency and accountability in reporting and monitoring climate financing,” he

said, will be game-changers in building trust and achieving the 1.5°C goal.

Highlighting the challenges SIDS face in accessing adaptation finance despite

promises made at COP26, he called for ground-based solutions that prioritise those

with the least capacity to implement necessary actions.


The Ocean-Climate Nexus

The Ministerʻs speech also touched on an often-overlooked aspect of climate action:

the ocean-climate nexus. “Healthy oceans are fundamental to achieving our 1.5°

goal,” he declared. For island nations like Samoa, the ocean is not only a source of

sustenance and culture but a critical ally in global climate stability. He called for

greater recognition of this interconnectedness in climate policy.


Solidarity and Leadership

Samoa’s Minister also expressed solidarity with Australia’s bid to host COP31 as the

“Pacific COP.” This platform, he argued, would amplify the voices of small island

nations, whose perspectives are often marginalised in global climate discussions.

Such solidarity, he said, is essential for advancing global awareness and action on

the unique challenges facing island communities.


Reflecting on the historic UAE Consensus reached last year, the Minister called for

operationalising the agreementʻs bold language, which includes transitioning away

from fossil fuels, significantly increasing renewable energy use, and improving

energy efficiency. “Despite our differences, we outlined bold actions,” he said. Now,

the task is to transform those commitments into tangible solutions.


Equity and Justice: A Shared Responsibility

Minister Schuster closed his remarks with a pledge. "assured, small islands will

work hard to be part of a solution that is based on equity and justice," he said. His

words were a reminder that the climate crisis demands a collective response. It is not

enough for nations to act independently or unevenly—progress depends on

cooperation, trust, and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.


As the world watches COP29 unfold, the message from Samoa is clear: the time for

talk has passed. The voices of small island nations must not only be heard but

heeded. For if the most vulnerable are not protected, can any of us truly claim victory

in the fight against climate change? The future of our planet depends on the actions

taken here and now.

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Numera NZ: +6421820594 fesili mo Maiava Leslie Wulf

O le tatou imeli: salesnz@smisamoa.ws

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