General Assembly backs historic World Court climate crisis ruling

21 May 2026

Suva, Fiji – The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Dirk Wagener, welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution affirming the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate change.

The ICJ earlier ruled that if States breach these obligations, they are legally responsible and may be legally required to stop the wrongful conduct, offer guarantees that it won’t happen again, and make full reparation, depending on the circumstances.

The resolution was adopted today by an overwhelming majority of 141 Member States voting in favour. This outcome reflects broad cross-regional engagement with the Court’s legal guidance and recognition of the role of international law in addressing climate change.

In response to the General Assembly’s resolution, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener, said: “For the Pacific, this resolution carries a particular meaning. It reflects a journey that began with Pacific youth and governments, seeking legal clarity through multilateral institutions. The General Assembly’s adoption reaffirms the relevance of international law in addressing climate change and reinforces a global framework that Pacific countries have long engaged in through cooperation, equity and shared responsibility.”

The resolution marks a new phase in the international response to the ICJ’s 2025 Advisory Opinion. By adopting this resolution, Member States have taken a collective institutional step to acknowledge the Court’s guidance with implications on their national responses to climate change.

This development follows a process initiated by Pacific Island countries and young people who sought clarity on how existing international law applies to climate change. That initiative led the General Assembly, in March 2023, to unanimously request an Advisory Opinion from the ICJ.

Following extensive written submissions and oral hearings, the Court clarified States’ obligations to act with due diligence, cooperation and urgency to prevent significant harm to the global climate system.

The resolution carries significant political and moral authority. It strengthens the global framework within which States pursue climate action and underscores the importance of good-faith cooperation and sustained international engagement.

The adoption of this resolution underscores the continuing role of the United Nations as a forum for collective action at a time of an accelerating climate crisis. The United Nations remains committed to working with governments and communities across the region to support nationally led priorities for climate resilience, sustainable development and a just transition, translating this global step forward into practical outcomes for the planet, people, and livelihoods.

ENDS

UNRCO Media Contact:
Avneel Chand: avneel.chand@un.org
Sofaia Koroitanoa: sofaia.koroitanoa@un.org