New York, NY – A bilateral meeting between Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and His Excellency President of Finland Alexander Stubb was held at the RMI Permanent Mission in New York on September 25, 2024, at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Heine expressed gratitude for Finland’s renewed commitment to the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) and emphasized its role as a platform for open discussions ahead of COP. The meeting aimed to generate ideas on advancing international financial reforms and enhancing momentum for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The leaders reaffirmed their support towards transitioning to green energy recognizing the need for better climate financing through innovation and technology to solve the climate crisis.
President Heine highlighted the struggles of securing climate finance for small island developing states, citing the Marshall Islands’ National Adaptation Plan, estimated at $35 billion. As a member of the Champions Group of Adaptation Finance, President Heine expressed hope for Finland’s support in achieving ambitious adaptation financing outcomes and continued collaboration on climate initiatives.
Finishing the meeting on a positive note, President Heine welcomed Finland’s support towards RMI’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council with the voting set for October 2024.
