AlHijjah 2, 1435, Sep 26, 2014, SPA -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday applauded Pacific Island nations for their "strong position" on the sustainable development of the world's oceans and underscored the United Nations' role in assisting the region's small island developing states (SIDS). Ban said in remarks to the Pacific Islands Forum in New York that he was "impressed by the energy and determination of the peoples of the Pacific to confront and overcome our pressing challenges" of climate change, recalling that in his recent trip to the region, he visited a displaced community still reeling from the effects of a 2009 tsunami. "It was a stark reminder of the effects of climate change," Ban said, adding that he was "deeply encouraged" by the commitments, partnerships, and pledges made by member states at the recent U.N. Conference on SIDS, held in the Samoan capital of Apia. The U.N. chief also emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus at next year's U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21). "I am doing everything possible to press for the adoption of a meaningful, legal climate agreement next year. And we are shaping a post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals that address the vulnerabilities and needs of all countries, including small island developing States," Ban said.
