RIGA, Sept 26 (LETA) - It is essential to increase global climate change funding, especially for those countries that are most severely affected by rising sea levels, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stressed at the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on addressing the existential threat posed by rising sea levels.

''The pressing issue of sea-level rise requires our undivided attention. It is a global issue. But for the low-lying and small island developing states it is an issue of existential nature,'' the president said.

''We need to advance the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States. We must deliver on sustainable development. It is in the best interest of us all. That is also the commitment of the Summit of the Future – to deliver for everyone, everywhere in a challenging world,'' he said.

Rinkevics emphasized that it is essential to accelerate climate finance. Especially for the nations carrying the hardest burden of the sea-level rise. To support mitigation, adaptation and resilience efforts.

Latvia has contributed to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and will support the United Nations Loss and Damage Fund, he said.

''Latvia is committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. We are in the 13th place globally for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Latvia stands ready to share expertise on building a digitally enabled climate action,'' Rinkevics pointed out.

The president emphasized that Latvia follows closely the legal implications of the sea level rise. ''It stems from our specific historic experience in relation to the state continuity,'' he added.

''Latvia welcomes the advisory opinion of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on obligations of states to prevent marine pollution. We will continue to engage in these processes in respect of Climate Change. We will continue to follow the work of the International Law Commission on the sea-level rise in relation to international law,'' he went on to say.

Climate change undeniably is a risk for global peace and security. It must be addressed by the United Nations Security Council. Latvia will continue to highlight this issue if elected to Security Council in 2025, the president concluded.