by Charley Piringi
Pacific youths have urged Forum leaders to transform commitments into concrete action, calling for climate justice, peace, and stronger partnerships as the Pacific Islands Forum commemorated the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration in Honiara today.
Speaking on behalf of young people across the region, youth representative Josie Anne Ashley told leaders that the declaration must go beyond words on paper and become a living anchor that unites the Pacific family against shared existential threats.
“For us, peace is not the roar of rising seas swallowing our homes. It is our grandparents sharing stories around the fire, families fishing in clean waters, and young people dreaming boldly in thriving communities,” Ashley said.
She warned that peace in the Pacific remains fragile, threatened by climate devastation, nuclear waste dumping, militarisation, and the growing influence of external powers.
“We cannot have an ocean of peace unless every community in the Pacific lives in peace,” Ashley said.
She reminded Forum leaders that young people are already stepping up.
“We will continue to rise with the tide, to demand accountability for every millimeter of sea level rise that steals our future. We stand against nuclear dumping, and we protect our seas and lands.”
Alongside climate action, she called for stronger investments in education, mental health, employment opportunities, and substance abuse prevention.
“Above all, we need a seat at the table to shape the decisions that affect us and our communities.”
She also echoed the plea of a Tuvaluan child at the recent PNA Leaders’ Summit: “Please save the ocean and the tuna for us.”
Last week during the 4th PNA Leaders’ Summit in Funafuti, Tuvalu, Reuben Wasioa, a courageous 10-year-old from Tuvalu, spoke on behalf of Pacific children.
10-year-old Reuben Wasioa, a courageous child from Tuvalu, spoke on behalf of Pacific children during the PNA 4th Summit in Tuvalu. Credits: Tuvalu Government Media.
“Our country is small, but I dream big. We dream of swimming in clean oceans, we dream of seeing tuna jumping in the waves, and we dream of growing up in a home that is safe and strong. But we are scared… please protect the ocean and save the tuna for us,” he told regional leaders.
Incoming Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele praised Pacific youths for their advocacy, acknowledging their crucial role in pushing for climate justice at the international level.
He highlighted their successful partnership with the Government of Vanuatu in securing an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on state responsibilities for climate change impacts.
“Tonight, let me recognise in a very special way our Pacific youth who have stood with Vanuatu in seeking the ICJ opinion on state responsibility on the impact of climate change,” Manele said.
“The region thanks you for your advocacy and service.”
As leaders deliberate on regional security, sovereignty, and climate resilience this week in Honiara, Pacific youths have made it clear that they expect not only to be heard, but to be partners in shaping the region’s future.
“Whatever is decided, youth will carry it forward. We are the custodians of this ocean. Let us paddle together, strong and unbreakable, as one Blue Pacific family,” Ashley said.
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