New York, September 22-26, 2024 – During the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Heine engaged in a series of critical meetings and events addressing pressing global issues, particularly those impacting Small Island Developing States (SIDS). From advocating for increased climate finance and emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in international financial systems, to addressing the challenges of sea-level rise and calling for nuclear disarmament, President Heine highlighted the Marshall Islands’ unique vulnerabilities while fostering collaborative solutions to climate and security challenges on the global stage.
Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. arrived in New York on Saturday, September 21, 2024, and departed on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – At a high-level working lunch hosted by Germany and Samoa, President Dr. Hilda C. Heine called for increased climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and emphasized the $35 billion needed for the Marshall Islands’ National Adaptation Plan. She urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments and support island-led climate initiatives, stressing the importance of grant-based financing and reforms to the international financial system.
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Monday, September 23, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine attended the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders Meeting at the 79th UN General Assembly to address the urgent issue of sea-level rise. The meeting resulted in the development of an AOSIS Leaders’ Declaration, guiding discussions ahead of the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise and emphasizing coordinated action to protect vulnerable small island nations.
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Monday, September 23, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine delivered remarks at the UN Summit of the Future, calling for a more effective UN system to address global challenges, with a focus on climate change and the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She emphasized the importance of youth engagement, bridging the digital divide, and advocated for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system as a key partner to the Marshall Islands.
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Monday, September 23, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and the RMI delegation were presented with $258 million from the U.S. Government as part of the renewed Compact agreement, including $200 million for the RMI Trust Fund and $58 million for FY25 Sector Grants and other fundings under the Compact.
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Monday, September 23, 2024 – Taiwan Friendship Night, hosted by Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in New York.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine participated in the signing of a joint statement and the initialing of the final Federal Programs and Services Agreement (FPSA) under the renewed Compact of Free Association with the U.S., FSM, and Palau. President Heine emphasized the agreement’s significance in enhancing financial assistance and addressing the Marshall Islands’ needs, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts of nuclear testing and the challenges posed by climate change.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, along with First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. and the RMI delegation, attended the opening of the 79th United Nations General Assembly under the theme “Leaving no one behind.” President Heine is scheduled to address the UNGA on September 25, with her remarks to be broadcast live via UN Web TV.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – Following the signing of the Compact of Free Association documents, President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, alongside FSM President Simina and ROP President Whipps, met briefly with U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. for a photo-op and conversation at the margins of the 79th UN General Assembly.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine attended the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders Meeting, where she emphasized the need for women’s equal participation in decision-making and economic empowerment. She highlighted the Marshall Islands’ efforts to support women entrepreneurs and called for global legislative reforms to mainstream gender equality and foster greater representation in public decision-making.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and delegation attended the Cocktail Reception celebrating 30 Years of Independence and Grand Opening of Palau’s Mission to the United Nations Building.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Bilateral Meeting between President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and Finland President Alexander Stubb on the margin of the UNGA79.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine chaired the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) Leaders’ Meeting where she called for decisive action to combat the escalating climate crisis and emphasized the need for ambitious, 1.5°C-aligned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The meeting focused on the urgent reform of international financial institutions to ensure that resources effectively reach small island states facing rising climate costs, urging HAC members to transition from conversation to action ahead of the coalition’s 10-year anniversary in 2025.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – At the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Leaders event, H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine emphasized the urgent need for collective action and reforms in international financial systems to better support vulnerable nations in addressing the climate crisis. She called for strong outcomes that prioritize genuine climate solutions over fossil fuel projects, advocated for a greenhouse gas levy in the shipping industry, and expressed hope for robust, 1.5°C-aligned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from member countries ahead of the February 2025 deadline.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine participated in a High-Level Meeting at the United Nations focused on the critical issue of sea-level rise, emphasizing that the Marshall Islands and other Pacific nations have long faced this threat without adequate recognition. She called for global support for the 2024 AOSIS Leaders Declaration on Sea-Level Rise and urged equitable international responses to climate change, underscoring that the sovereignty of her nation and its people must be respected as they confront these challenges.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, addressed the complex challenges facing the Marshall Islands, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to global human rights, climate action, and addressing the legacy of nuclear testing. She announced the Marshall Islands’ candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for 2025-2027 and called for urgent global action to combat climate change and protect ocean health while advocating for a formal UN apology for the impacts of nuclear testing on her nation.
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Thursday, September 26, 2024 – H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine participated in the Leaders Breakfast on Sea-Level Rise, where she highlighted the urgent challenges faced by low-lying nations.
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Thursday, September 26, 2024 – H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine called for urgent global action against nuclear proliferation during a high-level UN meeting commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the Marshallese people after 67 nuclear tests. She emphasized the need for a collective commitment to prevent further suffering from nuclear detonations and the importance of learning from history.
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Thursday, September 26, 2024 – H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine attended the 2024 Global Center on Adaptation Leaders’ Dialogue advocating for a capitalized climate adaptation program specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) ahead of COP 29, where she emphasized the urgent need for enhanced climate finance and collaboration, asserting that without a significant shift in funding, SIDS, despite their minimal contributions to global emissions, will struggle to build resilience against rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
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Following the UNGA79 in New York, H.E President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, along with the First Gentleman and her delegation, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for the 57th session of the Human Rights Council on Friday, September 27, 2024, and promptly engaged in a series of meetings.
Friday, September 27, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine met with H.E. Ambassador Omar Zniber, President of the Human Rights Council, to discuss the urgent challenges facing the Marshall Islands, including the legacy of nuclear testing and climate change, emphasizing the need for global action and solidarity among Pacific nations to effectively advocate for their rights and interests.
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Friday, September 27, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine addressed the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasizing the urgent need for global action on climate change and the lasting impacts of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, while announcing two landmark resolutions aimed at addressing these critical issues. She called for enhanced climate finance and accountability for human rights violations, expressing gratitude for the Council’s support and hope for the Marshall Islands to rejoin the Council for the 2025-2027 term.
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Friday, September 27, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Turk in Geneva, where she reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to advancing resolutions on climate change and nuclear legacy, expressed hope for international solidarity, and discussed the importance of recent OHCHR reports in supporting national efforts for reconciliation and addressing human rights challenges.
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Friday, September 27, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine delivered a keynote address at the HRC57 side event “Nuclear Justice and Transitional Justice” hosted by the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Geneva, emphasizing the lasting impact of the Marshall Islands’ nuclear legacy and the critical need for truth and accountability. President Heine highlighted the barriers to transitional justice posed by a lack of transparency regarding past nuclear testing and called for international recognition of these injustices to foster healing and pave the way for a nuclear-free future.
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Saturday, September 28, 2024 – President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. hosted a lunch and informal discussion with Pacific Ambassadors in Geneva to strengthen regional ties and foster collaboration, expressing gratitude for their support during the Marshall Islands’ recent nuclear side-event and emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing shared challenges.
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Saturday, September 28, 2024 – resident Dr. Hilda C. Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and the RMI delegation attended a dinner hosted by the Taiwan Mission in Geneva to express gratitude for the Marshall Islands’ ongoing support of Taiwan at the United Nations, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening their partnership.
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H.E. President Dr. Hilda C. Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. and delegation departed Geneva, Switzerland Sunday, September 29, 2024.
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