Rising Nations Initiative
For many Small Island Developing States, the climate crisis represents a catastrophic threat to their political, social, economic and cultural fabric. In the Pacific, the Atoll countries (Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands) are at the frontline of this global climate emergency. These States will likely be completely uninhabitable in the next few decades, before complete submersion by the end of the 21st century.
About the RNI
The GCCM enables the Rising Nations Initiative (RNI), a UN Member States-led initiative supporting the Pacific Atoll countries’ efforts to preserve their sovereignty, protect their statehood, and safeguard the rights and heritage of affected populations in the face of the existential threats posed by climate change.
Through programmes that include culture and heritage, futures & adaption, and youth empowerment, the RNI catalyses global action and mobilizes international support to Pacific countries and communities at the frontline of the climate crisis.
A Day in Funafuti
Global Call for Action
The Global Call for Action aims to support Tuvalu in promoting global awareness and international commitments of support by launching a global impact-oriented public campaign as well as coordinated action in multilateral and international forums. Using the outcomes of the Heritage Project, this will place the issue of preservation of sovereignty and safeguarding the rights and heritage of the people of Tuvalu and Pacific Atoll countries on the international agenda, in multilateral fora and other political, economic and climate action settings.
Heritage Programme
The Heritage Programme supports the preservation of culture and heritage in Pacific Atoll countries under threat – by providing practical support in the collection, digitalization and preservation, for the benefit of local communities through the creation of a Heritage and Cultural repository. It will also assist efforts to achieve global recognition, including through the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, and thus create greater impetus for global support to protect such heritage and culture. These efforts will also strengthen the resilience of the nation’s identity and heritage amidst possible disruptive challenges.
Digital Nation State Programme
The Digital Nation State helps build a new digital ecosystem, founded on meaningful connectivity, that will allow for strengthened governance, administration and connectivity structures, so as to cement the connection between people and country; as well as citizens and government amidst the disruptive challenges of the climate crisis. This will ensure the continued agency of the government on behalf of the people, and the full participation of citizens in the country’s political and cultural fabric in any longer- term adaptation strategy.
Knowledge & Futures Programme
The Knowledge & Futures supports greater partnership and collaboration to deepen the knowledge base, so as to support effective adaptation plans and promote better strategic planning and informed policymaking for Pacific Atoll countries. This programme will assess and support long-term adaptation strategies and efforts to address the habitability of the atolls, such as the ongoing work towards Tuvalu’s Long-Term Adaptation Plan, as well as other options for movement and relocation, if needed, while ensuring sovereignty and dignity.
Youth Programme
The Youth Programme has established a Rising Nations Youth Forum to empower Pacific youth stakeholders, particularly the youth of Tuvalu, as well as of other Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to fully engage in global discussions on RNI-related workstreams and contribute to the advocacy campaign. It also works to strengthen their capacity to engage with their own communities to contribute to their adaptive capacities and resilience.
