New York, NY — Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Heine participated in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders Meeting, held at the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. September 23, 2024. This pivotal gathering focused on the urgent issue of sea-level rise (SLR), following the recent Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53).
The meeting served as an interactive dialogue platform for AOSIS leaders, emphasizing the pressing challenges faced by small island states in light of climate change. A significant outcome of the meeting was the development of an AOSIS Leaders’ Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which will guide discussions and strategies leading up to the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise scheduled for September 25, 2024.
The AOSIS Leaders Meeting brought together heads of state and government from various small island nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity. As discussions progressed, leaders shared insights and best practices to address the immediate and long-term challenges of rising sea levels.
The AOSIS Leaders’ Declaration, set to be adopted at the conclusion of the meeting, will outline key priorities and actions for member states, aiming to elevate the issue of sea-level rise on the global agenda and secure necessary support for affected communities.
