UN General Assembly
2010

most vulnerable communities. This issue must not be viewed with an eye to short-term impacts on traditional industrial growth or political tenure, but rather with a longer-term consideration of the sustainability of economies, societies and peoples the world over. A meaningful, legally binding agreement on emissions reduction must be reached urgently and without delay. Recognizing the importance of effective coordination and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts at all levels — and particularly at the national level — Forum leaders have endorsed a set of principles that will guide Forum island countries and development partners in this regard, bearing in mind existing and ongoing efforts in the region. Those principles are consistent with the Cairns Compact and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change, and they reflect recognition by Forum leaders of the important role that regional and international arrangements play in supporting national adaptation and mitigation through the enhancement of capacity and access to resources. 17 10-55128 I am also pleased to say that, ahead of the Cancún climate change meetings this November and December,