UN Member States have finalized negotiations on a concise, action-oriented declaration addressing the growing threat of sea level rise. The declaration is expected to be adopted by consensus at a UN General Assembly high-level plenary meeting on September 24, 2026.
The four-page declaration expresses deep concern over rising sea levels and calls for stronger international action, including implementation of international law and protection of the shared marine environment.
It identifies four key areas for action: knowledge, data and science; adaptation, finance and resilience; livelihoods, socioeconomic challenges, culture and heritage; and the legal dimensions of sea level rise.
The declaration draws on scientific assessments by the IPCC and other international bodies and highlights the need for nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches. It also notes the relevance of recent International Court of Justice and International Law Commission work on sea level rise and international law.
The UN held its first high-level meeting on sea level rise in September 2024.
Australia and Cabo Verde co-facilitated the latest intergovernmental negotiations, which were successfully completed in August following a silence procedure.
