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Forum: Climate Change Challenges to the Sovereignty of our Pacific Atoll Nations

Climate Change Challenges

Pacific Islands Council QLD Inc. and Friends of the Earth Australia Climate Frontlines presents a forum on October 19th, with esteemed Pacific Climate Change Leaders.

Currently, international law and conventions covering international relations dictate that the possession and enjoyment of national sovereignty are tied to static conceptions of territory, population, authority, and recognition. The impacts of climate change – such as sea level rise, increased frequency of intense weather events, groundwater salination, and declining food security – threaten to undermine atoll peoples’ claims to territorial sovereignty and, in so doing, threaten to undermine the political basis for their collective self-determination. 

This forum, the first of two on the topic, will provide a platform for Pacific Islanders to ask critical questions about the nature and future of sovereignty in a changing climate, identify potential long term solutions, and share their perspectives with a wider audience with a view to shaping future local, regional and international decision-making.

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When: Monday 19th October 2020, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm AEST 

  Forum speakers include: 

  • Hon Enele Sopoaga - Former Tuvalu President and Current MP 
  • Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner -  Climate Change Activist and Poet
  • HE Anote Tong -  Former Kiribati President 
  • Exsley Taloiburi - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Advisor

This event is free of charge and donations are gratefully accepted. All are welcome to join.

We respectfully acknowledge that this online event will be hosted by individuals on the land of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, as well as watched by others from across the many Nations. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

This event is held on Zoom. Connection details will be emailed to all registered attendees via email. Please ensure you register with an email address you frequently check. A reminder (with dial-in details) will be sent a few days prior and, on the day of the event.

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