OFFICIAL SIDE EVENT UNOC3

Defending Our OceanS through international law

the ITLOS and ICJ Advisory Opinions on Climate Change

Thursday 12 June 2025 / 17.30 – 18.45 PM / UNOC Blue Zone Room 1 / Event ID 111

OVERVIEW

This side event will explore recent developments in international law relating to ocean governance. The panel of distinguished experts will provide insights and perspectives on States’ legal obligations under UNCLOS to reduce GHG emissions and protect the marine environment as clarified in the recent ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and the [pending] ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change. Participants can expect to gain insight into areas where international laws can be leveraged to strengthen ocean governance, enhance climate resilience, and accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use our oceans in line with SDG 14.

HOSTS

The side event will be co-hosted by the Government of Vanuatu, the Government of Cook Islands, the Government of Singapore and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Heads of these States, Ministers and President of AOSIS are expected to attend.

Objectives

• Unpack Legal Decisions Provide an overview of the ITLOS and ICJ Advisory Opinions and discuss their implications for protecting marine environment, addressing ocean acidification, and reinforcing State responsibility and accountability in the context of climate change.
• Strengthen National and Regional Action: Discuss how Small Island States and other coastal nations can integrate these legal opinions into national policies, regional frameworks, and negotiations under UNCLOS and other international agreements.
• Mobilize Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Engage legal experts, policymakers, civil society, and indigenous peoples’ voices to explore innovative legal strategies and tools for ocean protection.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please contact the Vanuatu Climate Justice and Diplomacy Program: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Global Engagement Manager and Pacific Legal Adviser

WhatsApp +678 7750499

The Vanuatu Delegation participated in the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The delegation is led by Mr. James Tari, First Political Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade and accompanied by Mr. Mathieu Hervillard Le Peillet, Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to UNESCAP and Mr. Eddison Taso, UN Desk Officer.

Throughout the session, the delegation engaged actively at side events, bilateral meetings, and high-level discussions, including key engagements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand under the framework of the 5th Thailand Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (TPIF). Additionally, the delegation participated in a study tour organized by the ESCAP Pacific Office, visiting the Thailand Water Quality Management Centre and the Baan Mankong (Secure Housing) initiative in Bangkok, gaining valuable insights into sustainable urban development and water management practices.

During the week-long event, ministers and key stakeholders from across Asia and the Pacific convened to address critical policy issues for inclusive and sustainable development. The session was centered on the theme: “Regional Cooperation for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development in Asia and the Pacific”.

The discussions provided a vital platform to advance inclusive urban growth and foster collective actions aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With over 2.2 billion urban residents and many of the world’s largest megacities, Asia and the Pacific remains a global urban leader. However, the region faces pressing challenges, including slowing population growth, economic volatility, climate-related risks, and social disparities, which necessitate integrated and sustainable development strategies.

In addition to participating in thematic discussions, the Vanuatu Delegation successfully engaged in the voting processes for the four UNESCAP governing bodies which contribute to the regional decision-making process that will guide the Commission’s work in the coming months.

The delegation reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable urban development, particularly in support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable economies in the Pacific.

March 17, 2025 Press Release

On March 12, 2025 the Pacific Ambassadors from Missions based in Geneva met with Switzerland`s Assistant State Secretary Mr. Heinrich Schellenberg in Bern Switzerland. Representing the Pacific Missions were H.E. Sumbue Antas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu; H.E. Doreen Debrum, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Marshall Islands;  H.E. Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Embassy and Permanent Mission of Samoa, H.E. Akillino H. Susaia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Federated States of Micronesia; Ms. Keleni Seruvatu, Deputy Permanent Representative, Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic Fiji; and Ms. Albiteta Teitibwebwe, Charge d` Affairs, Permanent Mission of Kiribati.

The overall objective of the dialogue between H.E Heinrich Schellenberg, Switzerland Ambassador to the Asia pacific and the Pacific Heads of Missions based in Geneva was to reaffirm and further enhance mutual cooperations and commitments between Switzerland and the Pacific Permanent Missions based in Geneva. The parties also discussed priority and challenges facing Pacific Island Countries particularly in the specific areas of Climate Change, Waste and Pollution, Human Rights among other issues of priority for Pacific Island countries. The parties also agree to hold annual or bi-annual meetings starting this year.

Also attending the meeting were Mr. Fabian Froehlich, Diplomatic Collaborator, Ms. Danielle Werthmuller, Counsellor of the Swiss Permanent Mission in Geneva and Mr. Johnny Hadley Jr., First Secretary of the Federated States of Micronesia Embassy and Permanent Mission.