This was highlighted during the Ocean-Climate Nexus Storytelling Pre-COP Community Event at The University of Fiji’s Saweni Campus.
University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says climate change is not an abstract issue for Pacific communities, with its impacts already being experienced through oceans, livelihoods and communities.
She says young people will inherit many of the consequences of decisions being made today.
Professor Shameem says universities have an important role in bringing together young people, researchers, communities and regional partners to examine climate challenges from different perspectives.
The event also focused on the experiences of Pacific children and young people through the launch of Voices of Pacific Children, which uses stories, poetry and artwork to highlight their experiences and perspectives on climate change.
Students from Gurukul Primary School, Pandit Vishnu Deo Memorial College and The University of Fiji participated in the event.
Pacific Islands Development Forum Secretary General Arpana Pratap says Pacific climate discussions cannot be separated from the realities facing communities across the region.
Pratap says the ocean is fundamental to the Pacific's identity, way of life and communities, and increasing pressure from climate change is putting food security, livelihoods, cultures and the region's future at risk.
The event also featured a screening of OCEAN with David Attenborough, highlighting the ocean's role in regulating the global climate and the ability of marine ecosystems to recover when adequately protected.
The University of Fiji's Head of Corporate Services, Seve Paeniu also discussed developments in ocean governance, including an Advisory Opinion by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Paeniu says the Advisory Opinion concludes that human-caused carbon emissions constitute marine pollution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, highlighting the connection between climate change and ocean protection.
Participants stressed that ocean protection, youth perspectives and Pacific experiences must remain part of the global climate agenda as the region looks towards COP31.
