D-DAY AT THE ICJ – A DEFINING MOMENT FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE

2PORT VILA, VANUATU (23 July 2025): It is D-Day at the International Court of Justice where it will soon deliver a landmark ruling in the historic Advisory Opinion proceedings, on the obligation of States under International Law in respect to Climate Change.

This, at a crucial time when climate change has not only been declared by our Leaders as the single most existential threat facing the #BluePacific, but climate devastation is now even more frequent with floods, earthquakes, and cyclones among many more.

The Opinion will not only reshape expectations for both governments and businesses worldwide but clarify the scope of state responsibilities under international law, with potential knock-on effects for corporate liability, due diligence, and climate-related litigation.

Initiated by a group of students' assignment question at USP Vanuatu's Emalus campus, Vanuatu led a global coalition two years ago, to adopt a UN Resolution, requesting ICJ to clarify State obligations and legal consequences related to climate change. 

The move by these students eventually led to Vanuatu's ICJ initiative and gave rise to the formation of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). The MSG Secretariat was delighted to have PISFCC part of its delegation and accord it the privilege to address the Court through the MSG platform, to further amplify the Pacific's call for climate justice during the hearing in December 2024.

President of the PISFCC, Ms. Houniuhi captivated the Court with her powerful testimony of how the initiative started, and what the ICJ proceedings mean for the future generations, further reinforcing MSG’s submission on the impact of climate change on youth and children.

At the 51st Pacific Islands Leaders meeting in Suva, Fiji in 2022, Pacific Leaders welcomed progress on Vanuatu’s initiative and noted that while non-binding, an ICJAO “may change the course of current negotiations and boost commitments,” and call on the UNGA to adopt a resolution requesting such an opinion.

In late 2023 at subregional level, MSG Leaders during the Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, mandated the MSG Secretariat, through the Political, Security & Legal Affairs programme, to take part in the proceedings. 

The MSG’s submission focused on climate change and its nefarious impact on customs and traditions, adding value to the national submissions by MSG members and representing the collective interests of the Melanesian sub-region.

Last month in Suva, Fiji, MSG Leaders endorsed the Secretariat’s ongoing participation in the ICJ process, particularly in the implementation of the Advisory Opinion. 

Our team at the ICJ includes the Acting Director General, Ilan Kiloe and Acting Programme Manager, Political, Security & Legal Affairs, Brittien Yosef.

To follow the case today, please click on:

https://webtv.un.org/en

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#ICJAO

Photo Courtesy: ICJ File