On 20 September, UNSW co-hosted a side event on sea level rise during the United Nations Summit of the Future Action Days in New York, in collaboration with UN Global Pulse.
The event, titled “Sea Level Rise: Building Resilience Through Data and Community in the Asia Pacific,” highlighted innovative, community-driven, and data-based solutions to challenges posed by rising sea levels.
Hosted by the UN Secretary-General, the Summit of the Future brought together global leaders to build a new international consensus for a better future. The Action Days provided a platform for showcasing innovative solutions to critical challenges in sustainable development.
Rising sea levels are among the most challenging impacts of climate change, already affecting coastal regions worldwide. The Asia Pacific—home to nearly half the world’s population—is particularly vulnerable to these effects. At the side event, representatives from Indonesia and Fiji highlighted the unique challenges their countries face and the urgency of addressing sea level rise.
Senivasa Waqairamasi, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change from the Government of Fiji, underscored the existential threat for small island nations, adding that with 75% of Fiji’s population being coastal dwelling, rising sea levels are not just an environmental issue, but also threaten traditional Fijian culture and ways of living.
Tri Tharyat, Director General for Multilateral Cooperation from Indonesia, echoed these concerns, noting the impact on his country's extensive coastline: “Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands, is on the frontline of sea level rise. There are three key areas that we need to enhance in responding to sea level rise, which are to strengthen adaptation and mitigation efforts, promote robust legal and diplomatic tools, and advance international and multi-stakeholder cooperation.”
While efforts to reduce global warming remain essential, sea levels will continue to rise even if global temperature increases are limited to 1.5°C. This makes it an urgent global priority to help coastal communities enhance resilience and adapt to future challenges.
As UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNOPS, Jorge Moreira da Silva, emphasised in his opening remarks, “Sea level rise is a global challenge that demands immediate action and innovative solutions. It is crucial that we work together to implement resilience-building initiatives that not only protect vulnerable communities but also promote sustainable development for future generations.”
Responding to these calls, the event showcased key initiatives from UNSW, including Project Halophyte and the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership, alongside efforts from UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific. The panellists underscored the need for holistic approaches that protect vulnerable coastal communities and advance sustainable development.
Dr. Andrew Dansie presented insights from Project Halophyte, a newly launched 5-year mangrove research and rejuvenation program in Fiji that will measure the environmental, societal, and economic benefits of coastal rejuvenation and nature-based solutions.
Emphasising the importance of community-driven, nature-based solutions, he stated, “These solutions must support the high ambition and leadership of the Pacific while empowering local landholders and communities. We are tremendously grateful for the support of the Fijian Government and the collaboration with project partners—the University of the South Pacific, SPC, and UNESCO. The Pacific serves as an ambitious and forward-thinking pilot region, demonstrating how these principles can guide mutually beneficial efforts of meeting both carbon and humanitarian development goals in the Asia Pacific and beyond.”
Angelique Pouponneau, representing the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership secretariat, hosted by the UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform, emphasised the transformative potential of ocean accounting in reshaping management of ocean and coastal ecosystems.
"Ocean accounts offer a paradigm shift in how we measure and value our blue economies," she explained. "By going Beyond GDP, we can capture the true wealth of our oceans, including their ecological and social value. This comprehensive approach enables policymakers to make more informed decisions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and community well-being."
Pouponneau added, "Moreover, by quantifying the full spectrum of ocean values, we can better demonstrate the economic case for conservation and sustainable use, attracting increased investment and funding for crucial marine and coastal initiatives."
Ahmed El Saeed, Regional Head of UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific, underscored the transformative role of artificial intelligence and big data, stating, “These technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to inform policies and enhance targeting of the response. It is crucial to explore and scale these emergent technologies to develop more informed and responsive adaptation strategies in the face of rising sea levels. We can only do this through partnerships.”
The side event in New York builds on UNSW’s ongoing knowledge partnership with the UN Development Coordination Office – Regional Office for Asia Pacific (UNDCO–ROAP). Since 2022, UNSW and UNDCO have jointly curated and convened interactions in Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and Timor-Leste,
Speaking of the knowledge partnership, Prof. Colin Grant, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, emphasised, “UNSW stands as a global research and education leader, committed to working with key partners like the UN. Our collaboration with the UN has focused on supporting community-driven outcomes and accelerating sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific. Our work with UN Global Pulse on this event reflects our enduring commitment to societal impact throughout the region and beyond, and our determination to work on a greater scale for the greater global good.”
Ayaka Suzuki, Director of Strategic Planning at the UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General, highlighted the value of these partnerships, stating, “Knowledge partnerships with academia are crucial to the UN’s mission, providing the research insights and innovative solutions needed to address global challenges. We thank UNSW for their partnership in today’s event.”
Earlier this year, UNSW partnered with the UN to convene a high-level interaction at the Global Sustainable Development Congress. Prof. Bruce Watson, UNSW Pro-Vice Chancellor Inclusion remarked, “As a global university deeply committed to positive societal transformation, UNSW’s participation in these forums reflects our dedication to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and better future. By bringing diverse voices and ideas to the world stage, we aim to inspire meaningful progress for all communities.”
During their visit, the UNSW delegation also engaged with UNAIDS and UNDP as well as Australia’s permanent mission to the UN. UNSW’s relationship with UNAIDS started during the HIV crisis over 20 years ago, in partnership with The Kirby Institute. Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador James Larsen, graciously hosted the UNSW delegation at his residence, where discussions touched on how university-supported policy partnerships could intersect with global action and Australian interests.
Featured speakers at the side event included:
Other members of the UNSW delegation to New York included Bruce Watson (Pro-Vice Chancellor Inclusion) and Rebecca Martin (Project Manager, Sustainability Reporting, DSIEE).
“Sea level rise is a global challenge that demands immediate action and innovative solutions. It is crucial that we work together to implement resilience-building initiatives that not only protect vulnerable communities but also promote sustainable development for future generations.”
