H.E. Mrs Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu delivered Tonga's Statement on the High Level Events on Climate Change September 24 2007, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Firstly I wish to congratulate you on co chairing this thematic plenary session. Small island states including my own have for decades raised awareness on the adverse effects of climate change and sea level rise as it presents significant risks to the sustainable development of its economies. Climate change is therefore for Tonga not just an “environmental issue”, it has deep implications for economic growth, sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

My delegations therefore wish to take this opportunity to thank the Secretary General for his initiative to hold this High Level Dialogue on Climate Change, which brings to center state in the global arena, an issue which is the most pressing challenge facing humankind. This morning the Secretary General in his opening statement affirmed that “Today, the time for doubt has passed……..the scientists has clearly outlined the severity of the problem…..the message is simple, we know enough to act: if we do not act now the impact of climate change will be devastating; and we have affordable measures and technologies to begin addressing the problem right now.