The C-SET Like-Minded Champions organized a side event during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2025, under the framework of the Coalition for Addressing Sea-Level Rise and Its Existential Threats (C-SET). The event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of Tuvalu to the UN, Mr. Taniela Kepa Siose, had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the C-SET Coalition. Tuvalu is honored to co-chair this vital coalition alongside Germany, working collaboratively to advance its shared objectives with fellow champions.

In his remarks, Mr. Siose emphasized, “During the Sea-Level Rise Summit, my Prime Minister, His Excellency Feleti Teo, spoke on behalf of the one billion people who are vulnerable to the existential threats posed by sea-level rise.”

He further added, “A rising ocean brings higher tides, and with increasing storm intensity, our communities are devastated throughout the year. Flooding increases soil salinity, reducing crop yields and weakening trees. Infrastructure such as homes, roads, and power lines are washed away.”

The event was also honored to welcome statements from co-organizers including Cabo Verde, Fiji, Maldives, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu. These nations shared powerful firsthand experiences of the impacts of sea-level rise on their people. Their leadership and advocacy during key moments of the UN General Assembly process were critical in maintaining global attention on the priorities of SIDS and low-lying coastal countries.
#SeaLevelRise #HLPF2025 #CSETCoalition #SmallIslandsBigVoice #PSIDS #ForTheAtufenua #TuvaluMoteAtua