UNGA79 High-level meeting on Addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise
Statement delivered by H.E. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia
25 September 2024, New York
President of the General Assembly,
Secretary-General,
Excellences,
ladies and gentlemen,
It is a privilege and pleasure to address this esteemed gathering today.
Estonia is a maritime country with more than 3000 km of Sea border, we are seaman, sea is our heritage and part of our livelihood.
We feel bonded with all maritime states which have very close interaction thru oceans and seas. We have several thousand small islands impacted directly from sea-level rise.
Climate change fuels the problem that has brought us together today – the threat of sea-level rise. Unfortunately, it affects some of the most vulnerable countries much more rapidly than expected. I want to highlight that I share your concern, it is our common worry.
To deal with the impact of climate change, we need to cooperate even more distinctively.
We can start by sharing the best practices regarding the solutions we have used to deal with climate change and with the threats posed by sea level rise.
Also, it is very important to engage with local communities and indigenous peoples, those who are the most vulnerable and who have the best overview of developments on the ground.
Mr President,
This first meeting regarding the sea level rise is a good start to put forward new ideas.
I would propose first, to establish a close international cooperation between our scientists to exchange science-based evidence of what is happening with global climate.
We will also need to regularly share the measures of the impacts of sea level fluctuations. Based on this we could provide risk scenarios.
There are countries, that have been already substantially impacted by sea-level rise and others, who are expecting it and thus, we need to proceed also with risk management.
Mr President,
We would strongly encourage to use innovative approaches, to support monitoring and risk analysis. We should use AI and all available means to develop relevant environmental and climate impact maps.
As a conclusion, I would like to highlight a global initiative, which was born in Estonia – a World Cleanup Day.
This has now become officially a United Nations Day and the global clean-up took place just 5 days ago, on the 20th of September. I truly believe, that we can use the same collaborative drive for the massive clean-up for our oceans and seas.
For Estonia, global climate commitments remain a priority.
Thank you!