YOUTH from across the Asia-Pacific convened for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of the Asia-Pacific Conference, held recently in Nadi.
Key discussions reviewed the implementation of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) resolutions and assess progress on regional initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership and the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network.
Participants will identify emerging challenges, contribute to the UNEA-7 outcome documents, including the ministerial declaration, and influence UNEP’s next Medium-term Strategy and Programme of Work.
This collaborative effort aims to improve the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthen commitments to multilateral environmental agreements across the region.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, who officially opened the Forum, said Fiji remained committed to youth engagement.
“We will listen. We will integrate your recommendations into our processes. And we will report back on what is adopted and what is not, and why,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent ruling delivered by the International Court of Justice led by youths from the Pacific, Bulitavu added, “You are not just future leaders, you are leaders now.
“Your ambition, creativity, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping solutions to the challenges we face.”
The Forum was co-hosted by the Government of Fiji, through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Scheduled to align with the upcoming UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, this Forum will enable governments and stakeholders to prioritise regional concerns under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”