Youth from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of the Asia-Pacific Conference. This conference, a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, focused on reviewing the implementation of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) resolutions and assessing the progress of regional initiatives like the Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership and the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network. Participants worked collectively to identify emerging challenges, contribute to UNEA-7 outcome documents, and influence UNEP’s next Medium-term Strategy and Programme of Work, aiming to amplify the environmental dimensions of Sustainable Development Goals and bolster commitments to multilateral environmental agreements.
Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, inaugurated the Forum, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to engaging with youth. He highlighted the importance of integrating youth recommendations into governmental processes and promised transparency about which recommendations would be adopted. Reflecting on the progressive role of Pacific youth, Bulitavu emphasized, “You are not just future leaders, you are leaders now.” The Forum was a joint endeavor by the Fijian Government and the UN Environment Programme, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in shaping proactive environmental policies and solutions.
This Forum aims to align discussions with the upcoming UNEA-7 in December 2025, allowing participants to prioritize regional concerns under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.” As the event orchestrated both youth and policymakers’ voices, it underscored a motivational push toward actionable resolutions and enhanced collaboration for sustainable futures. The Forum’s co-location with the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum magnified its focus on youth-led initiatives and outcomes. These engagements played a notable role in creating an Asia-Pacific Youth Manifesto 2025, expected to influence future regional policies and strategies, showcasing the integration of youthful innovation with broader environmental governance frameworks.
Such gatherings underscore a hopeful path forward, where youth involvement in environmental governance is not only recognized but is increasingly seen as essential for shaping regional and global sustainability strategies. By working collaboratively, the Asia-Pacific region can accelerate progress on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction, while fostering an accountable and inclusive governance model that values the input of its younger generations.
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