The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education and Lane Cove Council are pleased to host a special Youth Panel: The Pacific on the Frontline of Climate Change.
Six youth climate leaders from the small Pacific Island nations of Kiribati and Tuvalu are visiting Lane Cove.
At the youth forum, you will hear stories of resilience in the face of the intense impacts of our changing climate on their traditional homelands and ways of life.
Stand in solidarity with our Pacific neighbours as we contemplate how best to respond to the climate crisis together.
This is a family-friendly event, and young people (12 – 24 years old) are especially welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
After the youth leaders’ presentation, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Who are the Climate Leaders?
A draughtsman with the Lands and Survey Department, Aselu is responsible for producing detailed maps and technical drawings, supporting surveying work, and utilizing GIS software for land use and environmental planning projects, all while ensuring alignment with government priorities.
Within the 350 Tuvalu Climate Warriors, he actively supports the leadership in organizing climate advocacy efforts, community engagement activities, and collaborations with local and international partners.
Aselu also plays a lead role within his rugby team, contributing to team strategy, coordination, and leadership both on and off the field.
As the Communications Officer for Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN), Gitty is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of Tuvalu’s communities in the global fight against climate change.
Combining her passion for storytelling and photography skills, she captures and shares powerful images documenting the resilience of Tuvaluans, showcases grassroots initiatives, and communicates the urgency of the climate crisis in Tuvalu to ensure that TuCAN’s message is seen, heard, and felt around the world.
She believes that visuals can foster a strong emotional connection and aims to inspire others to join the movement for climate resilience, using both words and images to tell Tuvalu’s story of hope, leadership, and determination.
Mrs Marion Fuasou Mono is a dedicated Climate Change Project Officer with the Fusi Alofa Association, committed to advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in Tuvalu. She is experienced in developing and implementing climate resilience projects tailored to the unique challenges faced by the disabled community in a small island nation.
She is passionate about inclusive environmental policies and adaptive strategies that empower vulnerable populations to withstand the impacts of climate change.
Growing up in Kiribati, Miriam Moriati experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change, which has motivated her to engage with various climate-related initiatives.
At just 21 years old, she is the current President of the Rotaract Youth of Kiribati, a youth club under Rotary International that empowers young people and teaches them about environmental service.
Miriam has led the Rotaract Youth Club in projects such as video reporting on climate change, mangrove planting, and beach clean-ups. She believes that Kiribati’s youth have great potential but often lack the training and knowledge they need.
Excited about the opportunity to learn more about climate resilience in Australia, she looks forward to returning home to share her insights with young people in her community.
Rabwena is 23 years old and hails from Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati. He is a passionate member of the Kiribati Rotaract Club.
Through this platform, Rabwena and his fellow Rotaract members educate their local communities about the impacts of climate change. Rabwena uses social media to reach out to different community members and educate them about climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Through his role, he creates short videos about climate change impacts to share with the world the devastation that climate change causes within his local community.
Robert David Karoro is the National Coordinator for the Kiribati Climate Action Network, where he oversees the implementation of climate change adaptation and resilience projects in Kiribati. A passionate Banaban, he is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and improving his community’s resilience against climate change’s impacts.
Robert is a member of the Establishment Committee for the Pacific Academy of Science, representing Micronesia. He has also assisted the Office of the President with the Kiribati Integrated Vulnerability Assessment project by conducting community consultations in vulnerable areas. Robert also serves as a teaching assistant at the University of the South Pacific, focusing on marine science and geography.
What is the Pacific Calling Partnership (PCP)?
The Pacific Calling Partnership is part of the Edmund Rice Centre. It was founded in May 2006 to recognise the negative impacts climate change was having on the peoples of Kiribati, Tuvalu and the islands of the Torres Strait.
PCP is committed to listening to what islanders say about imminent threats to their way of life and helping to promote this important message in Australia and internationally.
The Pacific Calling Partnership exists in response to Pacific Islander calls for solidarity in the face of climate change.
Science tells us that atolls such as Kiribati and Tuvalu will become uninhabitable within the next 30 years due to the impacts of climate change.
PCP’s purpose is to help empower Pacific Islander individuals and communities to advocate for climate action and climate justice, as well as create and facilitate opportunities to enhance their voice within Australia and internationally.
They raise awareness in Australia of how climate change is affecting Pacific islands through talks and workshops.
Youth Forum Details – The Pacific on the Frontline of Climate Change
When: Tuesday, November 5 – 6 pm – 8:30 pm AEDT
Where: Lane Cove Library 1 Library Walk Lane Cove, NSW 2066
How to Book: Booking Link here
Our cover photo source: Edmund Rice Foundation
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