Inaugural Resolution to be Presented at Regional Leaders Dialogue in Apia, Samoa
by Ednal Palmer
In Apia Samoa
In an inspiring show of unity, resilience, and leadership, over 40 young climate advocates from across the Pacific have successfully concluded a groundbreaking two-day dialogue focused on climate-induced Loss and Damage.
The intense and passionate discussions culminated in the development of a collective resolution, the first of its kind led by Pacific youth, to be presented at the upcoming Leaders Dialogue on Loss and Damage from August 11–15 in Apia, Samoa.
This historic youth dialogue, facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), marks a milestone in regional climate advocacy — placing youth voices at the forefront of strategies addressing the devastating impacts of climate change across vulnerable island nations.
“What follows from here is started by you,” said Tagaloa Cooper-Halo, SPREP’s Director of Climate Change Resilience, at the closing of the youth dialogue.
“You are the first cohort on Loss and Damage — you now become ambassadors for this cause in the Pacific. I challenge you to step into the responsibility and keep up the momentum.”
Participants from 14 Pacific nations — including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu — came together to share testimonies, lived experiences, and forge collective recommendations on addressing climate-induced losses affecting their homes and communities.
The dialogue offered a unique space for young leaders to:
- Deepen their understanding of Loss and Damage,
- Map actionable pathways for climate justice,
- Strengthen networks among Pacific youth advocates,
- And position themselves as key voices in regional and global climate discourse.
“In negotiations, not all parties get what they want. It’s not a loss,” Cooper-Halo reminded the youth.
“Some battles you have to lose to win the war.”
This inaugural youth resolution is not only a testimony of the strength and solidarity of Pacific youth but also a call to action for leaders and policymakers to recognize and integrate youth perspectives in all levels of climate decision-making.
The SPREP-led initiative is part of a broader, long-term effort to amplify youth voices, ensuring they are central to shaping regional strategies on Loss and Damage — particularly in preparation for engagements with donor partners and global climate stakeholders.
As the world watches the Pacific for leadership in the fight against climate change, these young champions stand ready — determined to carry their communities’ hopes and struggles into the halls of power and onto the global stage.
