Voices of the Rising Tide: My Reflections from the National Youth Climate Change Forum

For three days, young leaders from across Fiji gathered in Suva not just to talk about climate change—but to take action. This wasn’t just another workshop; it was a movement. Hosted by the National Youth Council of Fiji and backed by ADRA Fiji’s SHAPE initiative, this forum became a platform where voices from the coast, the highlands, and outer islands echoed one message: “The time for youth climate action is now.”

Garlanding of the Chief Guests at the opening of the 3 day Climate Chage forum at the Studio 6 conference room.

Forum Highlights and Key Takeaways

Day 1: Grounding & Identity

We began with traditional ceremonies, prayers, and welcome remarks. The powerful speeches from Charlotte Darlow (NZ High Commissioner), Christine Lemau (ADRA), and youth leaders like Selai Niusere set the tone—this was a safe, inclusive space for learning and sharing.

Key sessions included:

🌍 The World Café session was raw and honest. We spoke openly about the real struggles we face in our villages—youth feeling unheard, sidelined, or lacking opportunities. But we also dreamed of the future we want, shared ideas on mentorship, and named the people in our communities who can walk beside us in this fight.

Front: Talei Silibaravi with Mr Usaoa Moli - First NYC President. Back: Vasiti T - Tailevu Youth Coordinator, Emily Soderburg, Permanent Secretary Youth & Sports Mr Rovereto Nayaclevu.

Day 2: Knowledge & Action

Day two shifted gears toward policy, consent, and faith-based climate responses.

Chief Guests signing the National Youth Council Banner.

Day 3: Building the Blueprint

This day was all about youth-led action plans, declarations, and forming a National Youth Network on Climate Change.

Mr Ioane Nawaikula - the General Secretary of the NYC - presenting the National Youth Council advisory body and their affirmates.

Personal Reflections

As I reflect on the past three days, I feel both heavy and hopeful.

Heavy—because the realities of climate change in our communities are deep, personal, and painful. I heard stories of rising seas swallowing burial grounds, of saltwater killing food crops, of youth pushed aside in village decision-making.

Hopeful—because I saw the strength of our generation. We showed up, spoke up, and stood up. We honoured our culture, our elders, and each other. We didn't just come to learn; we came to lead.

What moved me most? The honesty of our breakout circles. The laughter. The shared silence after heavy stories. The pride in speaking in our mother tongue. And the quiet fire in our hearts when we said, “We are not waiting for change. We are the change.”

This forum wasn’t the end. It was a beginning. And I walk away with more than knowledge—I walk away with a purpose.

Closing Thought

This journey reminded me that youth are not just leaders of tomorrow—we are leaders of today. Our villages need us. Our planet needs us. And with every plan, prayer, and planting—we will rise.

🌺 Let’s walk together in this vaka of resilience. For our vanua. For our oceans. For our People.