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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