By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Pacific youth leader Josie-Anne Ashley has told Forum Leaders that the newly endorsed Ocean of Peace Declaration must translate into real action, warning that young people will not sit in the shadows while their future is at stake.
“As we commemorate the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, I am honoured to stand before you all, not just as a youth leader and representative, but as the voice of our villages, our islands, and our families—feeling the waves of change lapping at our shores,” said Ashley, the General Secretary of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress.
She said the Ocean of Peace carries deep meaning for Pacific youth.
“It is the gentle lullaby of ocean waves cradling our children to sleep, not the roar of rising seas swallowing our homes.
It is our grandparents’ stories shared around the fire, unbroken by shadows of wars not ours, nor environmental scars.
Peace – is our families fishing in clean waters, our youth dreaming boldly in thriving communities, and our people standing tall, united against the storms that threaten us from beyond our shores.”
Ashley reminded leaders that the declaration emerged from real struggles in the region.
“Yet, this declaration rises from an ocean of challenges: climate devastation, nuclear legacies, the destructive remnants of war, whispers of militarisation, human rights cries within our region, and the pull of great powers testing our unity.
Our communities have spoken respectfully through forums and declarations, urging our leaders to weave these concerns into action—ensuring sovereignty, accountability, and true partnership. As one voice, we say: ‘We cannot have an Ocean of Peace unless every single community lives in peace,’” she said at the commemorative event.
Calling for urgency, she said young people are already taking the fight forward.
“We will not wait in the shadows. Pacific youth will rise with the tide, advocating for climate justice, our voices echoing in global courts to demand accountability for every millimetre of sea rise that steals our future.
We will continue to stand against nuclear dumping and protect our seas and lands through our ambassadors and alliances. From mangroves planted with our elders to talanoa circles in our villages, we will build our islands’ peace—stone by stone, wave by wave—inspired by the churches’ call for a ‘peace-full Pacific.’”
Ashley also pressed leaders to give youth a bigger role in shaping decisions.
“Our youth need access to education to navigate these challenges, mental health support to ease our anxiety, resources to combat the growing threat of drugs and substance abuse, and opportunities to overcome unemployment that jeopardises our livelihoods.
Above all, we need a seat at the table to shape decisions that affect us and our communities. Only then can we row as one resilient family, empowered to safeguard our future,” Asley stressed.
She also presented a symbolic gift to Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
“A child in Tuvalu pleaded at the recent PNA Leaders Summit, “Please save the ocean and the tuna for us.” On this significant day, as we affirm our commitment to the Ocean of Peace Declaration, Pacific youth join in amplifying this vital message: our decisions must go beyond economics to protect our people, cultures, and seas for generations to come. We stand united with our Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to turn this pledge into reality.
“This Island Tuna is a gift to you and our Pacific Island leaders. It symbolises our gratitude and recognition for your leadership in taking this initial stroke—the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
It also reflects our commitment to ensuring our shared ocean, our home, remains peaceful, embodying our resilience and dedication to the Blue Pacific 2050 Vision – an Ocean of Peace,” said Ashley.
