Delegates from several small island states and impoverished nations severely threatened by climate change made a bold statement as they walked out of the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan on Saturday. 

Negotiators from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) group and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) abandoned the consultation that went over time without striking a deal to help the nations at risk. 

The groups make 65 countries in the 195 state party talk removed themselves from the stalled New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) discussions as it was not offering a progressive way forward.

AOSIS Chairman and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster told media in Baku, the small island states were at COP for a fair deal. 

“We feel that we haven't been heard, and there's a deal to be made, and we have not been consulted ... We've walked out because at the moment, we don't feel that we are being heard," said Toeolesulusulu.

The staged walkout came after the groups dismissed an offer of US$250 billion from richer countries to tackle the effects of climate change. 

The nations are on the brink of global warming and OASIS has been one of the most vocal groups in calling for faster climate action. 

A statement from AOSIS stated the group remained committed to the process and was here in the spirit of good faith in multilateralism to secure the best deal that will protect them and the world from the worst impacts of climate change.

“Yet we have found ourselves continuously insulted by the lack of inclusion, our calls are being ignored.

“Across all packages, there is a deplorable lack of substance, especially as it relates to the special needs and circumstances of SIDS and LDCS. 

“Our key asks on mitigation have also been ignored. We need to see progress and follow up on the transition away from fossil fuels that we agreed last year. We have been asked to forget all about that at this COP as though we are not in a critical decade and as though the 1.5C limit is not in peril.

“We need to be shown the regard which our dire circumstances necessitate.”

At the meeting is a Samoan academic appointed to the COP29 Presidency Scientific Council, Sala Dr George Carter. 

Sala in a Facebook post said while the goal was settled at $300 billion many parties were not happy with the process. 

“There are also some wins that’s mainly to the courage of Samoa chair in AOSIS both Minister chair, lead negotiators and team to protect interests of SIDS and Pacific,” added Sala. 

Minister Toeolesulusulu was also captured in photos catching a bus at 5 am in Baku after a 48-hour negotiation which he was part of the process from the start to the end. 

Also at the UN Climate change talks is the MNRE Chief Executive Officer, Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena and ACEO, Galumalemana Anne Rasmussen–Fata.