By Sanjeshni Kumar, Pacnews
“You today are exactly where you are meant to be.”
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Climate Change Resilience Director, Tagaloa Cooper told the participants at the first Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage in Apia, Samoa on Thursday.
Cooper urged the Pacific young people to take ownership of their stories and lead the way in defining what loss and damage means for their communities.
“The most important people here today are the representatives, the youth from the Pacific Island countries. I acknowledge you,” she said.
“I promise you; your voice will be heard. We will provide support for your work.”
The dialogue, supported by the Government of New Zealand, brings together young leaders from across the Pacific region to discuss how climate-induced loss and damage has affected their lives, their cultures, and their futures.
“Loss and damage is not new to us,” Cooper said.
“It has a name. But believe it or not, it has no definition. It is defined by what you feel and how you are guided.”
She shared her personal story as a Niuean woman who experienced the devastation of Cyclone Heta, which wiped out kamilo trees, a plant central to her community’s traditional medicine.
“When you lose biodiversity that you use for cultural practices, you lose the practice. And when you lose the practice, it starts to erode who you are,” she said.
Her message to the youth was clear: climate change is already part of their lives, but so is their power to shape the future.
“The harms caused by climate change will inevitably be part of your story,” she said.
“But the beauty of being young people is your story is still in progress. And that is yours to define.”
Reflecting on her own experiences as a young delegate at international climate negotiations, Cooper said the dialogue was designed to create a safe space where youth could speak freely.
“This meeting is unique so that you don’t feel overwhelmed,” she said.
“Hopefully, you will have the conviction to forge ahead and tell your stories on loss and damage and know that we will be with you.”
She assured participants that SPREP would make sure their voices are heard at the global level.
“We want to make sure that you have a voice in the next COP… no matter where it is,” she said.
Tagaloa told the youth: “Walk boldly, trusting that God is walking with you. We love you, and we value your stories.”
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]