UN General Assembly
2013

Another notable contribution is the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leaderhip, under which every Pacific Island Forum leader pledged to strengthen their country’s efforts to fight climate change. As we move towards the post-2015 development agenda, let us not lose sight of the enormous importance of the world’s oceans. We call for the establishment of a sustainable development goal on healthy, productive and resilient oceans. In turn, we should expect a greater share of the benefits from the world’s oceans. Let me stress the central role that the effective management of all fisheries must play in sustainable management. Bycatch and, particularly, discarded bycatch threaten effective fisheries management. This is a serious conservation problem, because valuable living resources are wasted. Moreover, it threatens our food security and nutrition needs. Similarly, we agree that it is essential to include the goal of sustainable energy for all in the sustainable development goals that are under discussion here in New York. The transition to sustainable energy places a huge fiscal burden on our national accounts. I commend Tonga for spearheading the Pacific Regional