by Puaseiese Adrienne Pedro, Office Prime Minister Tuvalu
In the face of climate change, Tuvalu stands at the forefront of the crisis.
Urging the world to listen to the voice of youth in taking action to save our communities is activist, Mesepele Lauti, Coordinator of Fuligafou (New Transformation NGO) who is a prominent voice representing Tuvalu at the first Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage in Samoa.
She emphasises the importance of youth engagement in climate advocacy.
“The voices of Tuvaluan youths are hardly heard because of our isolation and limited opportunities to share our perspectives. This dialogue offers us a vital opportunity for networking, capacity building, and more effective advocacy for Tuvalu,” Lauti sad.
As a low-lying atoll nation, Tuvalu faces existential threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather events, making it imperative for its youth to mobilize and express their concerns. Lauti highlighted the unique challenges faced by young people in Tuvalu, stating, “Our situation is urgent. We need to ensure that our stories and experiences are shared, not just among ourselves but on global platforms where decisions are made.”
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Tagaloa Cooper, Director of Climate Change and Resilience at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), reinforced the need for youth voices in the discourse on Loss and Damage.
“No story of Loss and Damage is the same; everyone’s experience is unique. The youth are our future, and their narratives and voices today will undoubtedly pave the way for the Pacific,” she asserted.
In this safe space provided by the dialogue, Tuvaluan youths are in the same room, for the first time, speaking on loss and damage experiences across the region, with other Pacific Youths representatives. All have beenn encouraged to share their personal experiences and perspectives. Through these discussions, they aim to build resilience and strengthen their capacity to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
Ms. Christine Tuioti of SPREP, a former youth delegate, also shared her message of empowerment: “Get involved with your issues, understand what is happening, and recognise how it impacts you. Build your networks and empower yourselves to respond effectively to Loss and Damage.”
The outcomes of this dialogue will culminate in a presentation by the youth at next week’s Pacific Roundtable on Climate Change. The hope is that the voices of youth this week will shape and direct their messages or, strategies to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change across the region.
This important dialogue, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand (MFAT) and SPREP, underscores the critical role of Tuvaluan youth in shaping a sustainable future for their country and the Pacific region.
The inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage, guided by the theme “Navigating our Future” is held from 7- 8 August, Taumeasina Resort, Samoa. This precedes the Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 to be held from 11-12 August at the same venue in Samoa.
The inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage and the Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 are made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
Hosted by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the dialogues bring together Pacific governments, youths, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector to collectively advance the region’s priorities on Loss and damage.
This story was produced by the Pacific Media Team covering the meetings. Their attendance is made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
For more information, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson [email protected] , SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer, Ms Jessica Rodham [email protected] or Media and Public Relations Officer, Mr Keni Lesa [email protected]