Oceania youth finalize climate statement for COP31

Youth delegates from across the Oceania region have concluded the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) for Oceania, producing a comprehensive climate statement set to be presented at COP31. The three-day event, held at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat and accredited by the UNFCCC's youth constituency YOUNGO, saw participants contribute to various aspects of climate justice.

The initial statement, stemming from the previous Talanoa Session, was re-evaluated and expanded to encompass nine key priorities. These priorities will be formally tabled at the PreCop event in Tuvalu, with further discussions planned in Antalya, Turkey.

UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener, speaking at the closing ceremony, stressed that youth involvement must transcend mere consultation. He urged that young people be given a genuine role in shaping policies that impact their future, ensuring their priorities are directly linked to actionable policies. Wagener acknowledged the severe climate realities already confronting Pacific communities, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, displacement, and the loss of homes, livelihoods, culture, and identity. He encouraged continued inter-island and intergenerational connection among young people, while challenging leaders and institutions to guarantee that youth participation translates into concrete climate action.

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meaningful youth participation must extend beyond simply being heard. He says young people must have a genuine role in shaping decisions that affect their future, with their priorities connected directly to policy and action.