Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Suva

On May 28, on behalf of His Excellency Junior Aini, SIS Officer Bedi Racule was honored to attend a Pacific Luncheon hosted by H.E. Anne Riise, Norwegian Ambassador to Fiji (Canberra based).

We wish Ambassador Anne all the best as she concludes her posting in the Pacific and thank Norway for its continued friendship and partnership!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐌𝐈 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚-𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 🌎🌊

The Embassy was pleased to host and warmly welcome the Marshall Islands delegation to the Pacific Climate Justice and Sea-level Rise Week held in Fiji, from May 26-29. The delegation, led by Deputy Permanent Representative of RMI Mission in Geneva Mr Samuel Lanwi Jr., comprised of Legal Representative-Geneva Mission Augustine Sokimi, Climate Change Directorate (CCD) Climate Scientist Mark Stege and representatives of academia and civil society, Atina Schutz and Jobod Silk. The Embassy was also in attendance.

The Pacific Climate Justice and Sea-level week offered a key opportunity for the RMI, in joining other regional member countries and experts, to advance regional legal and diplomatic frameworks in addressing critical challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels. The event aimed to translate the ICJ Advisory Opinion into policy actions on issues such as environmental rights, statehood continuity, maritime entitlements and protections of affected persons.

In delivering the country statement, Ambassador Aini emphasized that in the development of the regional instrument, our shared human rights priorities and values and the recognition of their universality, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment should be reflected.

DPR Lanwi Jr, as one of the key presentors, shared the work progressing through the United Nations Human Rights Council to protect the environment and promote climate justice, while Legal Advisor Augustine Sokimi focused on internal law protections for persons vulnerable to sea-level rise: divergences, uncertainties and opportunities.

During a session on Priority Action Committee 4 (PAC-4) under the Regional Climate Mobility Framework, which is co-chaired by the Marshall Islands, First Secretary Tanya Terry delivered a statement, underscoring the need for inclusive, rights-based and culturally-appropriate climate mobility action. She highlighted shared climate mobility challenges faced by Pacific Nations; called for institutional transparency, such as the RMI independent Ombudsman, to ensure accountability; and welcomed the participation of all stakeholders in PAC-4 to create robust action.

The RMI was well represented in the event and the Embassy wishes to thank DPR Lanwi Jr and his delegation for their participation.

On May 19, Ambassador Junior Aini welcomed a virtual courtesy call from Ms. Leticia Carvalho, International Seabed Authority (ISA) Secretary General. The meeting discussed opportunities for engagement with the ISA, enhancement of capacity building and cultural sensitive approaches for the ISA. The Secretary General's visit to the Pacific coincided with the PSIDS Regional Workshop on the Deep Seabed Sustainable Growth Initiative, which the Embassy was pleased to attend alongside Ms. Asia Chong Gum, representative from the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA).

The Embassy supports Secretary Ywao Elanzo at the Forum Trade Officials Meeting.

The Embassy supports RMI’s Delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders’ Meeting led by Secretary Brenda Alik-Heine