ENVIRONMENT and Climate Change Minister Mosese Bulitavu has urged youths attending the Asia Pacific Youth Environment Forum 2025 to use the platform to set priorities that government could act on now.
In his opening remarks, Mr Bulitavu said the forum demonstrated “our shared commitment to a sustainable future”.
“Together, you will formulate the Asia-Pacific Youth Manifesto 2025 and an outcome document,” he said.
“These are not symbolic pieces of paper; they are powerful tools that will be delivered directly to environment ministers, senior officials, and decision-makers across the region.”
Mr Bulitavu said these outcomes would feed into UNEA-7 and influence the Asia-Pacific Senior Officials Meeting, the Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum and the Ministerial Forum.
“In other words, the work you do here in Nadi will echo in regional and global halls of power.
“The theme of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, is an urgent call to rethink current approaches to environmental stewardship.
“Each one of you represents the promise of tomorrow and the resolve to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The very challenges that significantly affect the communities we represent.”
Mr Bulitavu emphasised that as policymakers, it was their responsibility to create avenues for youth voices to be heard and their ideas to be integrated into decision-making.
“You are the stewards of the future; it is our duty to empower and support you as you forge a more sustainable planet.
“To the youth delegates. Use this platform to set priorities that governments can act on now.
“Be clear about the policy change you seek, the instrument required, the time frame, and the measure of success.
“Identify the enabling actions that will unlock impact across the region. Name the risks and how to manage them.”
The Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum 2025 is a side event of the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of the Asia-Pacific region.
The forum will conclude on Friday at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa.
Minister for Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu (second from left) with key note speakers at the Asia Pacific Youth Environment Forum 2025 held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Resort in Nadi. Picture: ELENA VUCUKULA