Statement by Mr. HAYASHI Takanori, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, on the Informal Consultation on the Declaration on Sea Level Rise, to be adopted at the 2026 High Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise
2026/3/5
Thank you, Excellencies,
At the outset, Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Cabo Verde and Australia for convening the informal consultation for us today, to provide the opportunity to express our views on the elements to be included in the declaration to be adopted at the 2026 High-level Meeting on Sea level rise.
Japan would like to align itself with the statement made by Nauru on behalf of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
Japan recognizes the impacts of climate change causing sea-level rise, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events pose serious and urgent threats to the countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The threats posed by sea-level-rise, such as the loss of territory, submergence, as well as floods and the loss of arable land, are not only national security issues but also human security issues, which threatens people’s daily lives. Japan reaffirms its policy to provide assistance to island nations and other countries that are vulnerable to climate change, so that sustainable and resilient economies and societies can be built.
Excellencies ,
Japan would like to touch upon two points regarding the elements to be included in the declaration.
First, legal stability and predictability are of critical importance for vulnerable countries, as they are exposed to various uncertainties due to sea-level rise associated with climate change.
Japan has stated its position that it is permissible to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, notwithstanding changes of coastlines caused by climate change. Japan welcomes the recognition of this position by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion concerning the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.
Japan also acknowledges that the continuity of statehood is crucial in facilitating the protection of affected populations, particularly in terms of legal stability, security, and predictability, and further discussions in relevant forums must carefully consider the legal basis and specific contents of States’ obligations and responsibilities concerning sea-level rise.
Second, Japan is mindful that climate change actions are being discussed through the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement process, where it addresses the elements of climate change actions in a balanced manner. Japan hopes that the careful balance between the elements of climate change actions will be maintained in the text of the declaration. Japan reaffirms its commitment to working together with all countries, to achieve the 1.5 degree goal of the Paris Agreement.
Finally, Japan remains committed to contributing constructively, while we stand by countries that are vulnerable to the sea-level rise, and working together to enhance resilience and support their energy transition and decarbonization.
I thank you.
At the outset, Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Cabo Verde and Australia for convening the informal consultation for us today, to provide the opportunity to express our views on the elements to be included in the declaration to be adopted at the 2026 High-level Meeting on Sea level rise.
Japan would like to align itself with the statement made by Nauru on behalf of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
Japan recognizes the impacts of climate change causing sea-level rise, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events pose serious and urgent threats to the countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The threats posed by sea-level-rise, such as the loss of territory, submergence, as well as floods and the loss of arable land, are not only national security issues but also human security issues, which threatens people’s daily lives. Japan reaffirms its policy to provide assistance to island nations and other countries that are vulnerable to climate change, so that sustainable and resilient economies and societies can be built.
Excellencies ,
Japan would like to touch upon two points regarding the elements to be included in the declaration.
First, legal stability and predictability are of critical importance for vulnerable countries, as they are exposed to various uncertainties due to sea-level rise associated with climate change.
Japan has stated its position that it is permissible to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, notwithstanding changes of coastlines caused by climate change. Japan welcomes the recognition of this position by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion concerning the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.
Japan also acknowledges that the continuity of statehood is crucial in facilitating the protection of affected populations, particularly in terms of legal stability, security, and predictability, and further discussions in relevant forums must carefully consider the legal basis and specific contents of States’ obligations and responsibilities concerning sea-level rise.
Second, Japan is mindful that climate change actions are being discussed through the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement process, where it addresses the elements of climate change actions in a balanced manner. Japan hopes that the careful balance between the elements of climate change actions will be maintained in the text of the declaration. Japan reaffirms its commitment to working together with all countries, to achieve the 1.5 degree goal of the Paris Agreement.
Finally, Japan remains committed to contributing constructively, while we stand by countries that are vulnerable to the sea-level rise, and working together to enhance resilience and support their energy transition and decarbonization.
I thank you.