Fiji has voted in favour of a landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution backing a historic climate ruling by the International Court of Justice, reinforcing global legal obligations to address climate change.
The resolution, led by Vanuatu and supported by several nations, was adopted on Wednesday with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions.
The vote follows a major advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2025, which ruled that countries have a legal obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.
The court further stated that nations breaching these obligations could be held legally responsible and may be required to stop harmful conduct and provide reparations where necessary.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described Wednesday’s adoption as “a powerful affirmation” of international law, climate justice and science.
“The world’s highest court has spoken. Today, the General Assembly has answered,” Mr Guterres said.
The resolution urges all UN member states to take every possible step to avoid causing significant harm to the climate and environment, including emissions generated within their borders.
Countries are also encouraged to honour commitments under the Paris Agreement and ensure climate policies protect human rights, including the rights to life, health and an adequate standard of living.
Mr Guterres said the countries least responsible for climate change continued to suffer the greatest impacts, adding that climate justice depended on a rapid and equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
For Pacific island nations such as Fiji and Vanuatu, which remain highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, the resolution is being viewed as another significant step in strengthening global accountability on climate action.
