Vanuatu's young voices have long been at the forefront of climate action, both locally and internationally. Youth groups have spearheaded innovative community-driven projects, raised awareness about climate issues, and supported our communities significantly.  Internationally, voices of young people led to the historic ICJ advisory opinion last year.

Youth participation in climate action is not just a matter of representation; it's about empowering those who will live with the consequences of policies and frameworks that are currently being shaped. The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Vanuatu offers a unique platform where youth can share insights, propose actionable solutions, and engage constructively with policymakers, development partners, donors, academics and beyond in the Pacific region.

The Pacific Innovation Forum for Climate and Environment is an excellent opportunity to spotlight the innovative approaches our youth are using to combat and adapt to climate change. By making the LCOY an official component of this biennial forum, with support and recognition by the Ministry of Climate Change, we can create atruly impactful structured environment for dialogue and collaboration.

The inclusion of the LCOY would not only legitimize the contributions of young people but also create a pipeline for ongoing influence and support. Young leaders in Vanuatu deserve a place at the table where they can influence policy development that aligns with both local and global climate objectives.

We call upon the Ministry of Climate Change and the organizers of the Pacific Innovation Forum to recognize the importance of youth perspectives in climate dialogues and take the necessary steps to include the LCOY as an official segment of their proceedings. 

Please sign this petition to support Vanuatu's youth in their passionate fight for a sustainable and equitable future. Together, we can ensure that the young people’s innovative voices resonate across the Pacific and beyond.