If young people are not at the table, how can they be part of the decisions that will shape their future?
Fiji Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael posed this question while addressing nearly 70 young climate leaders from across the Pacific at the Second Pacific Youth Talanoa Series Dialogue, encouraging them to become actively involved in international climate processes.
The dialogue, led by the Pacific Youth Council in partnership with the United Nations Pacific Office, brought together young people from across the region, both in person and virtually, to strengthen Pacific youth engagement on climate action and the road to the Pacific-led Pre-COP31.
As Fiji’s Chief Climate negotiator under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Dr Michael outlined the structure of the UNFCCC process, the different avenues available for youth engagement, and the important role of UNFCCC-recognised youth constituencies in ensuring young people’s voices are heard.
Dr Michael also explained the distinction between observer participation and formal country negotiations, helping participants better understand how climate decisions are made and where they can contribute most effectively.
‘Young people have a vital role in shaping climate action. Their perspectives, innovation and lived experiences must be part of the conversations that influence decisions at the national, regional and global levels,” Dr Michael said.
Also joining the dialogue was Miss Pacific Islands 2026, Ailava Samuels, who encouraged Pacific youth to get involved early, build their understanding of international climate processes and use their voices to help shape decisions that affect the region.
“We are Pacific youth living with the realities of climate change. By getting involved now, we can help shape the decisions that will determine our future,” she said.
The dialogue also featured COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Sally Higgins, who engaged with participants and shared opportunities for young people to contribute to the Pacific-led Pre-COP31 and COP31.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change remains committed to empowering the next generation of Pacific climate leaders and ensuring youth voices are represented as Fiji prepares to host the Pacific-led Pre-COP31 this October.
