The contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2025 have made climate change a central discussion point, highlighting its significant impact on the Pacific region. During a press conference held at the Honiara Hotel Campus, the contestants expressed their concerns and innovative thoughts around this pressing issue.
Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia-Allan, emphasized resilience and innovation as critical components in addressing climate change. She shared her experience at COP29, where she and Miss Kiribati connected with other Pacific youth, exploring ideas and practices focused on climate initiatives. Ieremia-Allan noted the importance of raising awareness about the efforts of local communities already tackling climate issues rather than solely focusing on new inventions.
Miss Kiribati, Kimberly Tokanang, echoed this sentiment, stating that attending COP29 allowed them to share stories on a larger scale and reminded young women in the region of their empowerment and responsibility to act from their homes. She pointed out that despite Kiribati contributing minimally to global emissions, the country is still heavily affected by climate change. Tokanang expressed hope that the collective voices of the youth could drive significant actions for positive change.
The contestants have also been vocal about their personal experiences, particularly Miss PNG, May Torrowi Hasola, who hails from the Carteret Islands, which are among the first to experience the adverse effects of climate change. She articulated her sense of duty to represent her people in discussing these issues, advocating for their voices to be heard beyond their islands.
Furthermore, Miss Nauru, Charlei Andrianna Deiye, highlighted the cultural significance of land for her community and the devastation caused by climate change in preserving their heritage. She committed to leveraging social media as a tool for raising awareness about the broader impacts of climate change across the Pacific.
In summary, the contestants of the MPIP 2025 are utilizing their platform to advocate for awareness and action on climate change. Their discussions at the press conference underscore the interconnectedness of their experiences and the urgent need for sustainable practices within the Pacific region. Their collective voices reflect a hopeful future where young leaders rise to confront the challenges posed by climate change, united in resilience and determination.
Leave a comment