Pacific Community Director-General, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, highlighted climate change and oceans in the organization’s inaugural statement at UN headquarters, made during the UN Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
"The global community has adopted a new Sustainable Development Agenda, and a new global agreement on climate change is expected in Paris later this year. Let me say that from our perspective there cannot be Sustainable Development Goals without a binding agreement in Paris.
"Our region's future prosperity and ability to effectively tackle major challenges like climate change, poverty and non-communicable diseases depend on the drive, determination and quality of learning outcomes for tomorrow's decision makers," Dr. Tukuitonga said.
"Education is a fundamental building block for sustainable development. Eradicating poverty requires a change of practice to refocus investments across sectors towards youth, and to engage and target vulnerable youth," he said.
The Pacific Community was granted Permanent Observer status to the UN, earning the right to participate in such global debates at the UN as of 2015.
Explaining the unique Pacific context, Dr. Tukuitonga said the Pacific Islands span an ocean area of approximately 36 million square kilometers, almost 20% larger than the African continent, yet only 1.5 % of this total area is land, a fact recognized by Pacific leaders in adopting a term 'Large Ocean Island States', Dr. Tukuitonga said.
"Sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources is paramount. Achieving the targets enshrined in SDG 14 is essential for our region," he told the audience of UN Member State representatives and other international organization.
In closing, Dr. Tukuitonga said he was honored to be part of a "momentous occasion" and paid tribute to the Pacific Community's members, staff and development partners.
"Our longevity and standing as the Pacific region's principal scientific and technical development organization is only possible through the unity of our members, the dedication of our staff, support of Pacific people and the strength, commitment and warmth of our truly durable partnerships," he said.
The history-making statement was delivered 27 September 2015.
