On 13 and 14 March 2025, Suva, the capital of Fiji, hosted several events with participation of a Latvian scholar, Chair of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), Professor of Public International Law at University College London, Mārtiņš Paparinskis. Professor Paparinskis had arrived in Fiji with support from the Latvian Embassy in Australia to share his expertise with the Pacific Islands Countries about the legal implications of sea-level rise and related matters of statehood, sea law, and human rights. The events were organised in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Fiji, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
On 13 August, the Ministry of Justice of Fiji hosted a round table discussion with participation of the Minister of Justice Siromi Turaga, the Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca and other senior officials. On the same day, a round table was also held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, which represents 18 member countries and territories. A discussion brought together senior officials of the island states and was moderated by Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi. Before the event, Professor had a separate meeting with the Secretary General of the Secretariat, Baron Waqa.
On 14 August, Professor Paparinskis met with the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister of Fiji, Lesi Korovavala, and gave an interview for the Your Voice talk show of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, led by journalist Apenisa Waqairadovu.
The Pacific Islands nations, being at the frontline of global climate crises, are facing immediate and profound consequences of climate change. Sea-level rise caused by climate change poses a threat to their future existence; therefore, understanding the legal ramifications of this process is crucial for national policy formulation, diplomatic engagement, and regional advocacy. A rapid sea-level rise has brought to the fore the issues of the statehood of the Pacific Islands Countries, maritime law and human rights. Professor Paparinskis sees this as a major threat and, consequently, the vital need to apply international law to states affected by serious climate change. “This as an important and acute matter on the international agenda,” Mārtiņš Paparinskis underlined.
The participants representing the Pacific Islands Countries listened with great interest to the Professor’s insights into the ILC 2025 Final Report of the Study Group on Sea-Level Rise in Relation to International Law, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Obligation of States in respect of Climate Change. The Professor’s presentations were much appreciated, while expressing interest and desire to involve the expert in further conferences and discussions both in multilateral formats and on a bilateral basis.
On his visit to Fiji, Professor Mārtiņš Paparinskis was accompanied by the Special Envoy of Latvia to the Pacific Islands Countries, Marģers Krams, who underlined that combating climate change is one of Latvia’s priorities in the United Nations Security Council, and Latvia will continue actively advocating for that. Representatives from the island states were informed about, and congratulated Latvia on being elected to the UN Security Council. During Professor Paparinskis’ visit, the name of Latvia was heard as that of an open and committed player, who cares about climate change related challenges to the Pacific Islands Countries and region.
The event was implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. On 3 June 2025, Latvia was elected to the UNSC for the term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit of Latvia’s foreign policy interests. The overarching goal of the membership is to protect and strengthen an international environment conducive of Latvia’s security through the use and expanding opportunities offered by multilateral diplomacy.