Simon Kofe
Simon Kofe is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Tuvalu, known for his poignant advocacy on climate change issues. He gained international attention during the COP26 conference when he delivered a speech submerged in water to highlight the existential threat posed by rising sea levels to his nation. Kofe is at the forefront of Tuvalu's groundbreaking initiative to become the world's first digital nation, aiming to preserve the country's identity, culture, and governance in a virtual space as its physical territory faces imminent submersion due to climate change.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Simon Kofe, minister of transport and energy for Tuvalu, had proposed several amendments this week that would strengthen the compromise.
Trump threatens vulnerable countries before key shipping emissions vote | Environment
United Kingdom· 2025-10-15
Simon Kofe is the former foreign minister of Tuvalu who presented a project to create a digital copy of the nation.
Plaže u jednom od omiljenih gradova Srba mogle bi da nestanu: Oluje i porast nivoa mora guta pesak
Serbia· 2025-08-09
Simon Kofe appeared at the UN Climate Conference speaking from a flooded area to illustrate the sinking of his country.
Un pequeño país está desapareciendo por el cambio climático: ¿cómo reaccionan sus habitantes?
Costa Rica· 2025-08-02
Simon Kofe was the Foreign Minister of Tuvalu who made a symbolic speech at the United Nations standing in water.
Tausende bewerben sich für Australien-Visum
Switzerland· 2025-07-01
Then-foreign minister Simon Kofe delivered a speech to the United Nations while standing knee-deep in water.
Tuvalu: This remote Pacific island nation just got its first ATMs
United States· 2025-04-18
Simon Kofe criticized the negotiations, stating that climate-vulnerable countries were asked to settle for less.
Global shipping to pay for pollution as IMO approves carbon pricing
Kenya· 2025-04-17
Simon Kofe, the transport and energy minister for Tuvalu, expressed disappointment over the alternatives presented to climate-vulnerable countries.
Shipping companies to pay for carbon dioxide produced by vessels | Shipping emissionsUnited Kingdom· 2025-04-13
Simon Kofe, minister for transport for Tuvalu, stated that a levy on shipping would have minimal effect on consumer prices.
Poor countries say rich world betraying them over climate pledges on shipping | Shipping emissionsUnited Kingdom· 2025-04-07
Simon Kofe, the Tuvaluan Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Tuvalu will become the first digital nation.
Tuvalu, el primer país digital del mundo
Colombia· 2025-02-24