Dear Visitor,

Thank you for taking the time to visit the website of Islands First, an organization working on behalf of the Small Island Developing States to confront the challenges of climate change and the depletion of our ocean resources. While I was in Palau last month, several of Palau’s elders took me aside and expressed their grave concern at the rising tides that lap Palau’s shores and reefs. They described to me the unprecedented level of bleaching that has killed off vast portions of Palau’s glorious coral reefs and expressed alarm at the dramatic decline in local fish populations, which are dependent on the reefs for their survival.

My friends and colleagues at the United Nations who represent other Small Island States have relayed similar stories. The related problems of rising sea levels and over-fishing can no longer be ignored. We have been the first countries to suffer the negative consequences of climate change, despite bearing little responsibility for creating the problem. Our appreciation for the need to rapidly cut carbon dioxide emissions, however, does not appear to be shared by most international policy makers. This needs to change.

Islands First will help the Small Island States, who represent nearly one-quarter of the votes at the United Nations, to become effective and vocal advocates for change within the most important forum for environmental progress by building the capacity of their UN missions to influence environmental policy. At over 40 nations strong, the Small Island States can become a formidable political force within the UN system. Islands First will help them realize that potential.

Over the coming weeks, Islands First will begin to unveil its groundbreaking initiatives and work hand-in-hand with many of the Small Island States. I hope you continue to stay abreast of these developments and continue to support the work of this unique organization.

Best Regards,

Stuart Beck
Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Mission of Palau to the United Nations
Chairman, Island First