The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed landmark declarations on sea-level rise, combating racial discrimination, and preparing for pandemics globally.

The assembly endorsed the political declarations at its 18th plenary meeting of the 81st session held at the General Assembly Hall in New York on Monday.

The meeting, chaired by Assembly president Khalilur Rahman, formally endorsed the declaration approved at the September 24 high-level meeting, calling for urgent, coordinated international action to address sea-level rise’s impact, particularly on small island developing states and vulnerable coastal communities.

“That includes strengthening climate adaptation, protecting livelihoods, preserving maritime rights and enhancing international cooperation to address sea-level rise’s humanitarian, economic and legal consequences,” a statement at the end of the meeting said.

The assembly also formally endorsed the political declaration adopted at the September 28 high-level meeting, which called for renewed political will, stronger national legislation and action plans, greater accountability, and international cooperation to eliminate systemic discrimination, protect the rights of affected communities, and address historical injustices.

While stressing the importance of strengthening global health systems, the Assembly noted that improving pandemic preparedness and enhancing international cooperation help prevent, detect, and respond to future health emergencies.  

“The declaration emphasises equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments, particularly in developing countries, alongside sustainable financing and more resilient public health systems,” the statement added.

The declarations came amid growing concerns about rising sea levels, which act as a threat multiplier, risking the displacement of over 300 million people, submerging low-lying nations, and disrupting food systems globally.

The UN’s actions on pandemic preparedness and the fight against racism also sought to prevent future health crises and strengthen global frameworks to combat racism in forms of xenophobia, intolerance and others, respectively.