The United Kingdom has announced a significant policy change regarding the recognition of statehood for countries affected by sea-level rise. The new policy establishes a starting point to continue to recognise statehood, even if a state loses some or all of its land.
Chris Elmore MP, Minister for the Americas, Multilateral, and Human Rights, stated that the UK will consider the circumstances in each case, including the wishes of the people of the affected state. This announcement was made during a High-level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise.
The UK welcomed the adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which is the first United Nations membership-wide political response to the issue. The declaration focuses on adaptation, resilience, and practical cooperative action.
Additionally, the UK's Foreign Secretary announced a £330 million pledge to the ninth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) this week. This funding aims to help the GEF address global challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing biodiversity loss, with increased support for vulnerable small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).