Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Baron Waqa, has praised Vanuatu’s leadership in taking the fight against climate change to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling it a shared victory for small Pacific nations and a moment of global recognition.

SG Waqa made the remarks on behalf of PIF member states during a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Nikenike Vurobaravu at the State House on 29 July, as part of his official trip to Vanuatu.

A statement from the State House said Waqa reaffirmed the Pacific Islands Forum’s continued support for Vanuatu’s journey toward climate justice.

The SG’s visit was in response to an official invitation from Prime Minister Jotham Napat to join Vanuatu in celebrating its 45th Independence Anniversary on 30 July.