Malta UNSC Presidency Open Debate - Sea-level Rise: Implications for international peace & security

On 14 February 2023 the Security Council convened a Ministerial-level Open Debate on Sea-level rise and its implications for international peace and security, one of the signature events of the Maltese Presidency. The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Minister Dr Ian Borg and was addressed by the UN Secretary General and the President of the UN general Assembly, the Romanian FM in his capacity as co-chair of the International Law Commission Committee on Sea Level Rise, and a Civil Society Representative from the Pacific region. The event highlighted the challenges linked to sea level rise, which poses serious threats ranging from loss of territory, state sovereignty and damage to states’ critical infrastructure (such as seaports and airports) and states’ existing rights under maritime zone boundaries. 75 member states participated, once again demonstrating the interest in climate-related peace and security issues.