Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. Addresses 80th UNGA, Declares Small Island States 'At War' with Climate Change

Palau President Urges Global Action at 80th UN General Assembly

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. addressed the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York during its high-level General Debate, which took place from September 23-29, 2025. In his speech, delivered on September 25, 2025, President Whipps Jr. underscored the severe impacts of climate change on small island developing states, declaring them to be 'at war' with the escalating crisis. His address focused on critical themes including climate justice, ocean protection, and the imperative for UN reform.

Climate Justice: A Daily Battle for Small Island States

President Whipps Jr. painted a stark picture of the climate emergency, stating that small island nations like Palau face daily battles against its effects. He detailed how 'Our shores are being invaded by seawater. Our homes are being blown away by storms. Our roads are being washed away by torrential rain. Our reefs are overheating. Our fish are disappearing. And our land is on fire.' He asserted that the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit is not optional but a 'legal and moral imperative,' reinforced by the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion. The President called for major emitters to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with this 1.5-degree trajectory ahead of COP30. He commended Australia's leadership in setting ambitious 2035 emissions reduction targets and supporting Pacific Island countries in their energy transition. Furthermore, he stressed the urgent need for predictable and adequate climate finance that does not create new debt, enabling vulnerable nations to implement NDCs and address loss and damage. Whipps Jr. also advocated for COP31 to be a 'Pacific COP,' hosted by Australia and shaped in partnership with Pacific islands.

Protecting the Oceans from Deep-Sea Mining

On the issue of ocean protection, President Whipps Jr. voiced strong opposition to deep-sea mining, cautioning against its promotion as a 'silver-bullet' solution to the climate crisis. He warned that proceeding without a full understanding of the consequences risks 'irreparable harm,' including the loss of biodiversity, carbon release, damage to the water column, and the destruction of fisheries vital to local populations. He highlighted that 38 countries, including Palau, supported a moratorium on deep-sea mining at the third United Nations Ocean Conference, emphasizing that 'science must guide us before we exploit the deep sea.'

Advocating for UN Reform and Inclusivity

President Whipps Jr. called for urgent reforms within the United Nations to ensure justice, peace, and inclusion, reminding the assembly that the UN was established for all nations, regardless of size. He specifically raised the issue of Taiwan's exclusion from the UN system, arguing that the People's Republic of China's claim over Taiwan 'results in the silencing of 23 million voices' and prevents Taiwan from contributing to global solutions. He stated, 'Palau believes that inclusivity strengthens the United Nations, and that no community should be barred from contributing to the solutions our world so desperately needs.' Additionally, he condemned Russia's war in Ukraine for disregarding international law and supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing dignity and security for both peoples. Whipps Jr. concluded by noting that the UN's 80th anniversary arrives at a 'crossroad,' urging the body to recommit to principles that protect peace and strengthen international cooperation.