Justice Michael D. Wilson shares statement supporting upcoming UNGA resolution welcoming ICJ AO

Gunjan Chetan Soni

On the 5th of May 2026, Justice Michael D. Wilson, former Associate Justice at the Supreme Court of Hawai'i, shared a support statement for the UNGA resolution, his link with India, and why India especially should co-sponsor and vote in favour of the resolution on the 20th of May 2026.

The Government of Vanuatu, on 1st of May 2026,  released the final text of the United Nations General Assembly resolution that welcomes the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate change advisory opinion and aims to operationalise the ICJ’s findings, ensure legal clarity, and build pathways to advance and enhance multilateral cooperation and responsibility.

Responding to Vanuatu’s effort, J. Wilson stated that the “resolution is a practical vehicle to move the multilateral system from rhetoric to implementation, through enhanced cooperation, transparent accountability, and structured pathways to address loss and damage. At a time when confidence in international institutions is under strain, a strong outcome here would demonstrate that legal guidance can be translated into coherent, forward-looking action.” “It deserves broad and active support,” he added.

In his capacity as a part-time resident of India (Honorary Adjunct Professor at Jindal Global Law School), J. Wilson also underscored that “[a]s the world’s most populous nation, and the voice of the Global South in its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), India’s leadership in shaping this resolution could be transformative.”

Given the relevance of the resolution, he urged “all States, and particularly those with the greatest capacity to shape this outcome, to support adoption of the resolution, and to consider joining as co-sponsors.” Beyond the States, he also called on his “brothers and sisters from the judiciary to extend support to the resolution and the landmark Advisory Opinion.”