Ulu makes statement on NZ behalf, at UN-SIDS General Debate

Apia, 2 September 2014
This morning, the Ulu o Tokelau presented his statement at the UN-SIDS General Debate. He was able to speak for Tokelau, in the timeslot that had been allocated to New Zealand, His pleas for working together as nations against the threat of climate change, and in favour of renewable energy, was well received by delegates.

He was introduced by the Chair, the Prime Minister of Samoa, as: “Tokelau is speaking on behalf of New Zealand, another Island bigger than Tokelau and a bit smaller than Australia”. The PM had just chided previous speakers for exceeding the allocated time slot of 5-10 minutes, warning that delegates might have to stay till Sunday (instead of Wednesday) to hear all the presentations. This made listeners all the more applaud the sharp, short and clear statement made by the Ulu.

The full text of the statement, that was streamed live over the United Nations TV website, follows: 
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The Ulu o Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau, contributing to the General Debate of the UN-SIDS conference today, with the PM of Samoa presiding.
Statement by the Ulu o Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau
 
The President of the Conference, Lau Afioga le Ali'i Palemia
Heads of State and Government
The Secretary-General of the United Nations
The President of the General Assembly
The Secretary-General of the Conference
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
Mr President, Malo Ni and Kia Ora -  I convey warm Tokelau and New Zealand Greetings.
 
On behalf of the people of Tokelau, I want to acknowledge God our Heavenly Father for His guidance in making this event possible. I commend the Government of Samoa for bringing the world to the Pacific. Samoa had been working tirelessly to ensure that small islands like ours can attend this SIDS Conference.  Tokelau may not be an independent state; we are a “true” Small Island Developing State. Our total land area is approximately 12 square kilometres, and our land is only 3-5 metres above sea-level at the highest point.
 
I also wish to extend Tokelau’s sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand, who has given our people an opportunity to add our unique voice to this global family. Tokelau is proud to be represented at this important meeting and to share with you a brief glimpse of our reality.
 
A number of distinguished delegates may not have heard of Tokelau before today. That is not surprising as we are one of the world’s most geographically isolated nations. Located 500 kilometres north of Samoa there are only 1400 of us living across our 3 atolls. You can only reach our shores by taking a 24-hour boat journey from Samoa.

At breakfast this morning with leaders of other low lying atoll nations, we confirmed the devastation that the impact of Climate Change has had and continues to have on our islands.  As the frontline to the impact of climate change, low lying atolls are more vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Let me be clear - climate change is already having a negative impact on Tokelau and other atolls like ours. We are seeing signs of coastal erosion and ocean acidification. This is of deep concern to us due to our fragile biodiversity and the fact that revenue from our fisheries resource is a significant source of income.

SIDS as a global family must face the challenges of climate change head on. This is our duty to future generations. We must not fail.
 
The question is, what if the impacts of climate change are not addressed for nations such as ours? Our people stand to lose not only our unique environment and land, but also our culture, language and traditions which are our identity.
 
The situation looks bleak. Yet, despite our size and our minimal carbon footprint, Tokelau is leading by example in the Pacific region by switching from diesel-generated electricity to clean, renewable and reliable solar energy.

We partnered up with New Zealand for the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project. Since 2012 solar arrays installed on each atoll supply 90% of Tokelau's electricity needs. That makes Tokelau one of the world's top nations in renewably-sourced electricity - and the first to run almost exclusively on solar-generated power.

This project shows the world the vision of the leaders and communities in Tokelau for a better and more sustainable future.
My challenge to us here today, is to agree as SIDS collectively on a platform for action going forward. If Tokelau can achieve such a good result in the renewable energy space, imagine what we, as SIDS, can do together.  We must unite and be strong. Let no one be left behind nor let us shy away from difficult conversations.

To the people and the Government of the Independent State of Samoa - you have made Samoa and the Pacific family very, very proud. We can only pray that your efforts bring us closer to the ultimate goal of ensuring a safer and sustainable future for our region and beyond. Let me convey a big thank you - fa‘afetai tele lava.
 
Thank you and God Bless.

[The statement is also on the United Nations website, at http://www.sids2014.org/content/documents/442Tokelau.pdf]

 
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Rostrum of the General Debate with the Ulu presenting his statement (above)
The Tokelau Team awaiting its turn in the Debate Hall (right)
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General Manager Joe Suveinakama and Adviser Lili Tuioti after the presentation.