Francisco Carvalho, in his first speech in the general assembly debate as Prime Minister, addressed the climate crisis from the perspective of justice. He declared that those who contribute least to the crisis cannot bear its most severe consequences, emphasizing that scientific knowledge must be translated into concrete decisions and actions.
The speech came after the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) won the legislative elections on May 17. The intervention occurred one day after Tropical Storm Gonzalo caused floods, power outages, and tree falls across several islands of the archipelago.
Carvalho warned that the climate crisis is already present, manifesting through drought, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels. He mentioned the damage in Santa Maria, where seawater invaded avenues near hotels, alluding to losses on Sal Island, the country's main tourist destination.
In addition to calling for a global climate pact, Cape Verde will seek to drive discussions at the United Nations. The Prime Minister emphasized that, for an island nation, ocean preservation transcends environmental policy, being fundamental to protecting territory, economy, and future.
Cape Verde will assume the presidency of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 2027 and plans to implement an agenda focused on more equitable financing for climate change mitigation measures, alongside strengthening ocean defense.
The archipelago is characterized by being arid, but also prone to intense rainfall and sudden storms. In August 2025, Storm Erin resulted in nine deaths on São Vicente Island, and in November, heavy rains caused one fatality on Santiago Island.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN agency, the year 2025 was the second or third hottest recorded, with ocean warming intensifying storms and worsening sea-level rise.
During his speech in New York, Francisco Carvalho defended the primacy of international law over force, supported multilateralism, proposed reforms to the United Nations to increase its effectiveness, and called for greater African representation on the Security Council.
The Cape Verdean Prime Minister recalled a phrase by Amílcar Cabral, precursor to the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, suggesting the importance of 'always learning.' He advocated for the central role of education, arguing that offering opportunities to young people is a way to 'protect the planet' and 'promote peace.'