Today, the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum kicked off in Nadi, bringing together over 100 young delegates from across the region. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, urged these young leaders to create clear and practical goals for tackling urgent issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He emphasized that their voice matters now, not just for the future.
For the first time, this forum is being held in the Pacific, co-hosted by the government and the UN Environment Program. The discussions here are expected to produce the Asia-Pacific Youth Manifesto 2025, which will be presented to senior officials and ministers later this week. This manifesto will help shape the upcoming UNEA-7 and contribute to the Asia-Pacific Youth Roadmap on Sustainability, Environment, and Resilience.
Fiji has pledged to incorporate the youth’s recommendations into its national policies. The government is committed to transparency, promising to update participants about which suggestions are accepted or declined.
This forum highlights the increasing influence of youth in environmental decisions. It builds on previous milestones, such as the Global Youth Environment Assembly in 2021 and the Youth Manifesto in 2023. Recent events like the International Court of Justice ruling, fueled by youth activism in the Pacific, show that young voices are making a real impact.
According to a recent survey by the UN, 75% of young people believe they have a crucial role in fighting climate change. This growing awareness resonates on social media, where hashtags like #YouthForClimate are trending, showcasing youth-led initiatives worldwide.
Involving young people in environmental governance not only empowers them but also ensures policies reflect the concerns of future generations. Their energy and innovation can spark new solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges.
For more insights into youth engagement in environmental policy, check out the [UN Environment Programme](https://www.unep.org/). This collaboration could shape a sustainable future for all.
