New York – The Hague: Europe and the Arabs

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the General Assembly's adoption of a resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on climate change, describing the move as "a strong affirmation of the rule of international law, climate justice, science, and the responsibility of states to protect their people from the escalating climate crisis." This was reported in the UN Daily News, a copy of which we received Thursday morning.

The International Court of Justice – the principal judicial organ of the United Nations – ruled in July 2025 that states are obligated to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and to exercise due diligence and cooperation to fulfill this obligation. The ruling was widely praised internationally and considered a landmark decision, with the UN Secretary-General describing it as "a victory for our planet." “A Legal Obligation”

The Court also ruled that if states fail to meet these obligations, they bear legal responsibility and may be legally required to cease the offending conduct, provide assurances of non-repetition, and offer full compensation, depending on the circumstances of each case.

Although advisory opinions issued by the International Court of Justice are not legally binding, they carry significant legal and moral weight. They contribute to clarifying and developing international law by defining the legal obligations incumbent upon states.

The resolution adopted by the General Assembly on Wednesday sends a powerful message that addressing the climate crisis is a legal obligation under international law, not merely a political choice. In a statement issued after the General Assembly vote on Wednesday, the Secretary-General said: “The world’s highest court has spoken, and today, the General Assembly has responded.”

What does the resolution include?

The resolution calls upon all UN member states to take all feasible steps to avoid causing significant damage to the climate and environment – ​​including emissions within their borders – and to fulfill their existing climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The resolution also urges governments to cooperate in good faith and continuously coordinate their efforts to address climate change globally, ensuring that climate policies protect the rights to life, health, and an adequate standard of living.

The UN Secretary-General warned that those least responsible for the crisis are the most affected by its consequences, stressing that the time has come to end this injustice. He explained that the path to climate justice "lies in a rapid, just, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy."

He emphasized that renewable energy sources have proven to be the least expensive and safest energy option, affirming that the goal of keeping global temperature rise to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels remains achievable.

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution entitled: "Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Obligations of States with Respect to Climate Change."

This resolution, drafted by Vanuatu and several other countries, was adopted by a vote of 141 in favor, 8 against, and 28 abstentions.