Today, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to define the obligations of states in the fight against climate change, that is, a legal opinion that will oblige countries to tighten measures for this purpose.

The resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice reached the UN General Assembly after a four-year campaign led by the Republic of Vanuatu.

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Ismael Kalsakau, said the resolution and advisory opinion "will have a strong and positive impact on how we deal with climate change and protect current and future generations."

The advisory opinion of the UN judicial body will not be binding on any jurisdiction, but it could form the basis of future climate change negotiations by pinpointing the financial obligations that countries have in relation to climate change, thereby helping countries to review and improve national climate policies, as well as strengthening domestic policy and legislation.

Kalsakau said that by adopting the resolution, the UN "will send a loud and clear message, not only around the world, but far into the future, that on this very day UN member states have decided to put aside their differences and work together to solve the key challenge of our time." p