NEW YORK – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas met briefly with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Rising Nations Gala Dinner in New York, an international gathering that brought together heads of government and other leaders to focus attention on sea-level rise and the future of vulnerable island and coastal nations.
The event took place during the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and coincided with the inauguration of the Rising Nations Institute, a new multilateral platform intended to help countries on the front lines of rising sea levels turn international commitments into practical measures.
Pisas meets Macron
Pisas attended the gathering as part of his broader program in New York, where Curaçao is participating in the Kingdom delegation. His agenda this week has placed particular emphasis on issues affecting Small Island Developing States, including the consequences of climate change and rising seas.
During the gala, Pisas had an opportunity to exchange words with Macron. No details were released about the substance of their conversation, but the Curaçao government described the encounter as taking place in an environment intended to promote dialogue and connections among international leaders.
Macron received the Rising Nations Global Leaders Award during the evening. The award recognized the French president for his leadership and commitment to advancing international action on sea-level rise and supporting countries considered particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The gala was held under the theme “Celebrating the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise: From Ambition to Implementation.” It brought together leaders from Small Island Developing States, low-lying coastal countries, international organizations and partner nations.
The event also marked the formal launch of the Rising Nations Institute. According to information released following the gathering, the institute will work on measures including financing for locally led climate adaptation, coastal regeneration, climate-risk insurance, improved climate data and the digital preservation of cultural heritage threatened by rising seas.
The initiative has particular relevance for Curaçao. Pisas is using his participation in this year's UN meetings to draw international attention to the vulnerability of island states to sea-level rise and the need to protect their communities and long-term development.
The Rising Nations Initiative itself dates back to 2022 and has been supported by countries including Palau, Tuvalu, the Maldives and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The establishment of the institute represents a shift toward implementing concrete programs following international efforts to place sea-level rise higher on the global political agenda.
For Curaçao, Pisas' participation comes during an unusually active diplomatic week in New York. In addition to climate-related engagements, the Prime Minister has participated in meetings with international leaders, including a high-level discussion involving Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez.