This Mother’s Powerful Poem On Climate Change Had UN Leaders In Tears

“Mommy promises you, no one will come and devour you.”

Marshall Islands' native Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner addressed 120 heads of state during the United Nations' Sept. 23 Climate Change Summit. The poet and mother has also turned the speech, titled "Dear Matafele Peinem," into a video.

The 26-year-old is also a teacher, journalist and founder of the environmental NGO, Jo-jikum.

Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner / Via youtube.com

After the speech, an official UN twitter account tweeted that the speech "brought world leaders to tears." Jetnil-Kijiner also received a standing ovation.

You can watch the full video of Jetnil-Kijiner giving her speech at the UN Climate Summit here:

United Nations / Via youtube.com

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