UNGA heeds Pacific voices, backs world court on states’ climate obligations

New York, United States, 21 May 2026 — The United Nations General Assembly voted with overwhelming support to adopt a landmark resolution led by Vanuatu and 12 other countries which will advance implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on climate change and state responsibility, today.

The resolution passed with 141 votes in favour, 8 against and 28 abstentions. Australia voted in favour of the resolution, welcoming the landmark ICJ advisory opinion and its constructive role in advancing global climate action, although stopped short of co-sponsoring the resolution.

The outcome formally reaffirms the Court’s findings and calls on governments to align their policies with their legal obligations to limit global warming to 1.5°C – including by delivering deep, rapid and sustained emissions cuts, regulating fossil fuel companies, and protecting the right to a healthy environment. The resolution also requests the UN Secretary-General submit a report in 2027 on how to advance compliance with all obligations in relation to the Court’s findings – ensuring that pressure and scrutiny on governments will be sustained to deliver their legal obligations.[1]

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific, Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “The world has followed the Pacific’s lead. Vanuatu and Pacific nations have once again shaped the global climate agenda, turning the voices of frontline communities into international action.

“While it is positive that Australia voted in favour of the resolution, Australia should have gone much further to stand with its Pacific family by co-sponsoring the resolution. This would have been a more genuine show of support for Pacific leadership as Australia prepares to preside over COP31 negotiations, where it has promised to centre Pacific needs and priorities.

“Governments can no longer ignore their legal responsibilities while backing the expansion of the fossil fuel industry. Pacific communities have fought for this moment because we are already living with the consequences of the climate crisis, and we will continue fighting until there is a fast, fair and funded phase-out of fossil fuels. This outcome is for the realisation of human rights of current and future generations to experience a life of dignity and to stand proudly on the righteous legacies of the past.”

In July 2025, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion outlining that states have legal obligations under international law to take urgent, equitable action to protect the climate system, including through emissions reduction, international cooperation, holding corporate polluters to account, and preventing climate harm.[2]

The UNGA resolution is expected to strengthen the political and legal weight of the Advisory Opinion across international negotiations, national policymaking, and climate litigation, while increasing pressure on governments to align their actions with their obligation to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

-ENDS-

Notes

[1] Greenpeace Media statement: World’s highest court delivers historic protections for climate-impacted communities

[2] A Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: Greenpeace Policy Briefing

Media contact

Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org