The UNGA Resolution
A New UNGA Resolution to Endorse the ICJ AO
On 6 February, 2026, the Government of Vanuatu introduced the zero draft of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution to endorse the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion (ICJ AO) on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, which was delivered by the Court on 23 July, 2025.
The draft resolution, which has received contributions from a cross-regional core group of States, has been shared with all UN Member States and will be discussed during informal consultations in New York. Vanuatu highlighted three overarching objectives for the zero draft:
to fully and unreservedly welcome the ICJ’s advisory opinion;
to strengthen climate action in line with clarified legal obligations;
to advance climate justice through mechanisms to drive the operationalisation of the advisory opinion.
“In the current geopolitical context, sustained commitment to the rule of law is more important than ever,” noted Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change of Vanuatu. “Climate change is no exception. Upholding the Court’s clarification of existing obligations is essential for the credibility of the international system and for effective collective action.”
We support the resolution, as it can truly move the ICJ advisory opinion forward in tracking the implementation of State accountability. We call upon all States to support the international rule of law by voting to adopt the resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. On 29 March 2023, history was made when more than 130 of them voted for the resolution that enabled the ICJ AO – the first time a UNGA resolution for an advisory opinion was adopted by concensus. Three years later, we hope to see similar levels of support when endorsing the groundbreaking climate justice advisory opinion.
Right now, States are discussing the latest draft of the resolution, which means now is a crucial phase to ensure enough support for a strong resolution that fully endorses the ICJ climate change advisory opinion.
Come in Action!
Since the consultations on the UNGA resolution are taking place right now, it is of utmost importance that we all share with rest of the world and our government representatives that the groundbreaking climate change advisory opinion from the ICJ must be fully endorsed by adopting the strongest possible resolution for the planet and its people.
The Advocacy Package comes with useful resources such as a Template Letter that can be sent to State representatives to encourage constructive engagement with the process and a Social Media Package with useful graphics and captions to inform and engage your audience.
Events (to be announced soon!)