As the future of the Pacific, young people are being encouraged to raise their voices on climate change, with Fiji preparing to carry their priorities to COP31.
Speaking at the closing of the Regional Conference of Youth on Climate Change (RCOY) Oceania 2026 in Suva today (20.08.26), Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya said young people would be given a direct role in Fiji’s preparations for the global climate summit.
Bringing together young climate leaders from across the Pacific, the conference focused on shaping youth priorities for the Pacific Leaders Meeting in Palau, Pre-COP31 engagements and COP31.
These discussions resulted in the Pacific Youth Position Statement, which was handed over to Hon. Tabuya tonight.
Minister Tabuya said Fiji’s official COP31 delegation will include young Pacific people nominated through the Pacific Youth Council and the National Youth Council of Fiji.
“Not observer passes at the margin, but as party overflow delegates, with responsibilities in its work and in its preparation. From your side, this means commitment. You need to attend each and every taskforce meeting to understand our national positions, the justifications behind them and know how to hold the line,” she stated.
The Minister stated that the youth statement developed during the three-day conference will be taken to the youth meeting in Nadi from October 1-3.
“I ask you for one thing: precision. Write in the language of delivery. For every priority, name the change required, name who must act, etc. Fiji’s lead negotiators across all track should be able to use the text provided and defend it.”
On the key priorities discussed at the conference, Minister Tabuya reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach, improving access to climate finance and ensuring the ocean remains central to climate action.
With Pacific leaders set to meet in Palau and Fiji preparing to host the Pacific Pre-COP in October, Minister Tabuya encouraged young Pacific leaders to take their message from the islands to regional and global climate discussions.