UN secretary general Antonio Guterres has welcomed the adoption by the General Assembly of a resolution following up on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric disclosed this on Thursday in New York while briefing journalists on the landmark resolution.

The landmark General Assembly resolution adopted on Wednesday is “a powerful affirmation” of international law, climate justice and science, noted the UN chief.

The resolution calls on all UN member states to take all possible steps to avoid causing significant damage to the climate and environment. This includes emissions produced within their borders, and to follow through on their existing climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.

Governments are urged to cooperate in good faith and continuously coordinate efforts to tackle climate change globally and ensure that climate policies safeguard the rights to life, health, and an adequate standard of living.

“The world’s highest body has spoken, and on Wednesday the General Assembly has answered.

“The secretary-general said this is a powerful affirmation of international law, of climate justice, of climate science, and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.

“He commended the leadership of Pacific Island countries and other Small Island Developing States, together with the young people whose moral clarity helped bring the world to this moment,’’ Mr Dujarric said.

He said Mr Guterres said that those least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price, and injustice must end. According to the spokesperson, the science is clear: fossil fuels are the primary driver of the climate crisis.

“The path to climate justice runs through a rapid, a just, and an equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards  renewable energy. Renewables have proved to be the cheapest and the most secure form of energy supply,” he said.

The task ahead is clear, the secretary-general stated: keep 1.5°C within reach and build a safer, fairer, and more resilient future for all.

The resolution was drawn up by Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation on the frontline of the climate crisis, and several other countries. It was adopted after intense discussion including multiple proposed amendments with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions.

Those voting against were Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and Yemen.

When the ICJ,  the UN’s principal judicial body, ruled in July 2025 that States have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions, the decision was hailed as a breakthrough.

The UN chief described it simply as “a victory for our planet”.

The court also ruled that if States breach these obligations, they are legally responsible and may be legally required to stop the wrongful conduct. They are also to offer guarantees that it won’t happen again, and make full reparation, depending on the circumstances.

Although the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not binding, they carry significant legal and moral authority by helping to clarify and develop international law by defining States’ legal obligations.

(NAN)