Statement by the Jeem S. Lippwe,
Permanent Representative
New York, 16 October 2024
Chair,
Micronesia aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) by the distinguished Permanent Representative of Samoa. I would like to add a few points in my national capacity.
First, as beneficiaries to the newest multi-country office (MCO), the Micronesian countries are most grateful to the UN Secretary-General and the UN membership for the demonstrated leadership and vision in recognizing the needs of our remote and vulnerable region in the North Pacific by the establishment of the MCO. The MCO plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat the existential threats posed by climate change to our home islands, fostering sustainable development and supporting the well-being of our peoples.
Second, the latest UN data indicated a concerning reality that the Pacific SIDS are off track and are projected to achieve the SDG by 2065. That is 35 years beyond the 2030 target. Persistent issues like poverty, inequality and the impacts of climate change remain the major obstacles in our achieving the SDGs. The significant challenges in implementing the SDGs for our Pacific region point to a stark reality faced by our tiny island communities. There is a need for continued efforts by the UN system and donor partners for our islands to fully realize the intended outcomes of the SDGs.
Third, the success of the RC system also depends on the support and cooperation of UN member states. For the UN system to better support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, commitment by member states to scale up funding is essential.
Fourth, the Special Purpose Trust Fund, as is, clearly is inadequate and the repositioning of the UN development system to better support small island countries, like in the Pacific, has faced obstacles due to in large part to funding challenges. We must actively pursue new approaches and make the necessary adjustments, including full funding, that would ensure adequate, predictable and sustainable resources for the RC system.
Finally, Micronesia gratefully acknowledges our First Resident Coordinator, Mr. Jaap van Hierden and his team on the ground in what may be one of the most difficult tasks, overseeing development efforts across a diverse and remote region of the world with islands thousands of kilometers apart.
Thank you!