Statement by Minister Osman Saleh at high-level plenary meeting on addressing the existential threats posed by sea level rise

STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE DELEGATION OF ERITREA

81^st SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

At the high-level plenary meeting on addressing the existential threats posed by sea level rise

Thursday, 24 September 2026, UNHQ New York

 Mr./Madam President,

Eritrea stands in solidarity with the most vulnerable nations whose very survival is threatened by sea-level rise. Small island developing States, low-lying coastal countries, and delta regions could lose the most by the adverse consequences of climate change and sea-level rise. Therefore, the needs of these States and populations should be met and their future secured.

Eritrea is among those affected. With more than 350 islands, an extensive Red Sea coastline, and a maritime territory comprising roughly half our land mass, my country approaches sea-level rise as a matter of major national significance.

We commend the General Assembly’s effort to elevate sea-level rise as a global concern requiring practical policy measures and collective action. We further emphasize that existing international law must be applied to meet the needs of vulnerable States and populations, ensuring legal stability, predictability, equity, and the preservation of existing rights.

Mr./Madam President,

Coastal States like Eritrea must diligently address the impacts of sea-level rise, as it poses a direct threat to our coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and development aspirations. It is, therefore, prudent to strengthen coastal adaptation, disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, ecosystem protection, land-use planning, and early warning systems.

Eritrea has put in place protective and conservatory measures. We are expanding marine and island protected areas, restoring coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal vegetation as natural climate buffers, and advancing a sustainable National Blue Economy strategy that safeguards marine resources while supporting local livelihoods.

We recognize that in the context of sea level rise, international cooperation is required to address human mobility, planned relocation, legal continuity, restoration of maritime zones, and the protection of identity and culture. However, such cooperation should be done through domestic capacities and community-driven action. International cooperation must therefore be built on genuine partnership, not dependency and conditionality. Above and beyond, it must ensure mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and shared responsibility.

It is regrettable that climate finance pledges remain unfulfilled, technology transfer is limited, and the international environmental architecture remains fragmented and inaccessible for least developed countries. The response to sea-level rise must address these structural inequities.

Mr./Madam President,

Eritrea emphasizes the need for stable maritime zones and guarantees for the sovereign rights of coastal States over their maritime spaces. Parts of Eritrea’s territory consist of low-lying and sandy coastal areas at constant risk from erosion. Eritrea therefore stresses that baselines and maritime boundaries are preserved and that the sovereign and jurisdictional rights of coastal States over their maritime spaces, in accordance with international law, are protected.

Littoral States have a vital and indispensable role in securing and promoting a sustainable and stable maritime ecosystem.

To conclude, Eritrea remains committed to fostering common understanding and promoting concrete action against sea-level rise. Our collective resolve must tackle both the immediate and long-term effects, and thereby safeguard the rights, livelihoods, and cultural heritage of all vulnerable populations.

I Thank You!