In Palau, we have a saying: “Ng di sengsongd e mrecherchii a klengoes.”
“Small twigs banded together can bring a pot to boil.”
This wisdom reminds us that even the smallest among us, when united and determined, can drive meaningful change.
– Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, at the 2025 UN General Assembly
Amidst the divisiveness and political polarization surrounding climate change, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held its 80th session this year from the 23rd to the 29th of September. This profound week, marked by the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” demonstrated how community partnerships and solidarity for humanitarian aid can reinvigorate global cooperation on climate change mitigation strategy.
During this session, global leaders highlighted the importance of embracing sustainable development goals. While watching the livestream, I was moved by the magnitude of speakers endorsing thoughtful leadership, strength, and resilience in the fight for the protection of our planet. Island nations often embrace generational traditions centered on proper care for the environment. Ecological symbiosis defines island life, where cultural identity is deeply tied to the sea. As a citizen of the Republic of Palau, I was proud to see how our small archipelago in the Pacific Ocean has been speaking up to fight for a safe and prosperous future.
Our people rely on the harmony between land and sea. We see the value in our corals, fish, and plants. The rhythm of fishing, farming, and navigating the ocean is deeply embedded in our cultural traditions. We are entirely interconnected to our surrounding environment. However, Palau like many other small island nations, is on the front lines of the negative impact of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the sea level rises, Palau faces dramatic alterations to traditional ways of life. Small Island Developing States are the most disproportionately affected by climate change due, in part, to their geographic location. At the UNGA, President Whipps Jr. addressed how Palauans are at war with climate change.
“Our shores are being invaded by seawater. Our homes are being blown away by storms. Our roads are being washed away by torrential rain. Our reefs are overheating. Our fish are disappearing. And our land is on fire. This is our daily battle.”
To take climate action further for island nations, Palau is calling for their involvement in the Conference of the Parties (COP), which is the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, to review and implement treaty goals. These meetings bring together politicians, stakeholders, and diplomats to negotiate and set goals based on climate change solutions. Australia has bid to host COP31 in 2026, and partner with the Pacific to secure a defining moment in the push for the environmental protection of all island nations. To safeguard the future, island nations like Palau need a large platform to speak on the irreparable damage of anthropogenic activities.
Palau is the only nation on Earth that has protected 80% of its offshore marine environment. The Palau National Marine Sanctuary prohibits extractive activities like mining and commercial fishing in over 475,000 km² of Palau’s domain. The remaining 20% of Palau’s national waters are reserved for local fishermen to ensure food security for the country. Palau works to maintain eco-conscious practices in all facets of governance, including their economy, which relies heavily on tourism. When visiting the island nation, tourists are made aware of Palau’s commitment to nature conservation through a pledge stamped on passports. As the first nation on Earth to change its immigration laws for the cause of environmental protection, the Republic of Palau requires visitors to sign the Palau Pledge upon arrival to the island.
The message reads as follows.
PALAU PLEDGE
Children of Palau.
I take this pledge,
as your guest,
to preserve and protect,
your beautiful and unique
island home.
I vow to tread lightly,
act kindly and
explore mindfully.
I shall not take
what is not given.
I shall not harm
What does not harm me.
The only footprints
I shall leave are those
that will wash away.
Small steps toward climate mitigation can help inspire great action among global communities. This pledge amplifies unity and solidarity in the face of climate change and embraces the protection of the natural world on a grand scale. With community support, island nations like Palau support climate action and help to protect the Earth and its people for many generations to come. This Palau Pledge serves as a reminder that “even the smallest among us, when united and determined, can drive meaningful change.”
Abigayle (Dirruei) Cariño is a Graduate Research Assistant at USC Annenberg and Master’s Student in PR & Advertising at USC.
