Bangladesh’s ambassador highlighted climate vulnerability, social inclusion and climate finance while discussing diplomacy’s role in addressing interconnected global crises.
Tuvalu and Ireland have outlined a shared vision for a second international conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, which the two countries will co-host in Tuvalu in 2027.
At a side event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the co-hosts called on governments and partners to help turn pathways discussed at the first conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, into practical action.
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo said the transition was an urgent issue of energy security and economic resilience for the Pacific island nation.
Like many small island developing States, Tuvalu faces the impacts of climate change while relying on fossil fuels imported across thousands of kilometres of ocean at prices it cannot control.
“When we speak about transitioning away from fossil fuels, we are speaking not only about reducing emissions,” Teo said. “We are speaking about our energy security. We are speaking about our economic resilience. And ultimately, we are speaking about our sovereignty and our ability to determine our own development future.”
The proposed vision, titled “From Pathways to Delivery: Making the Transition Possible for Every Country,” focuses on what is preventing countries from transitioning away from fossil fuels and how they can work together to remove those barriers.
Tuvalu’s Minister for Climate Change and Environment, Hon. Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, outlined three linked pillars for the process: planning the transition, financing the transition and transforming the real economy.
The pillars would give countries space to identify barriers arising from their different circumstances and connect national priorities with suitable finance and technical support.
Representing Ireland at the event, Timmy Dooley T.D., Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, said Ireland was committed to working with Tuvalu to advance the process.
“Ireland is honoured to be co-hosting the Second International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy is now inevitable and we must collectively plan for it. It is crucial that the Second Conference moves from discussions to implementation. What are the barriers that impede countries’ ability to transition and how do we address them?” Dooley said.
Teo urged participants to contribute to shaping the 2027 conference.
“Come with a challenge you are prepared to work on. Come with an idea, an initiative, finance, technology or expertise that can help another country move forward,” he said.
Talia said Tuvalu would bring the spirit of Tuakoi, described as the values and responsibilities of being good neighbours, to its partnership with Ireland and the wider process.
The co-hosts will seek ideas from countries and partners as they develop the second conference, including from voices that were not sufficiently represented at the first conference.
