By: Amanda Crescenzo 

On September 15th, 193 countries gathered in New York City for the 76th United Nations General Assembly. The General Assembly is a global conference held every year with the purpose of achieving global peace, discussing subjects concerning to international peace and security, development, human rights, and international laws. This year’s topics were concerning the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. 

Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia V. Bainimarama touched on a more green future for his country, 

“We want islands inhabited by citizens who stand with nature and not against it. We want sustainable economic growth that is powered by clean energy and protected from the impacts of climate change. We want robust and resilient health systems, and we want good jobs and income supported by a green and blue economy.”

Bainimarama was not the only Pacific Islander leader to discuss the ongoing consequences of  climate change. Tonga’s prime minister noted that when it comes to climate disasters such as cyclones, flooding and sea level rise, Tonga is most at risk. Regardless of Tongas low emission of greenhouse gas, the country has signed in to the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Despite climate discussions at the 76th General Assembly, world leaders are set for a United Nations Climate Conference in November to discuss critical climate action moving forward.