Young Pacific Islanders concerned about the effects of climate change were coming together to make the world listen to their voice in their gathering in Fiji.
From all over the Pacific Islands, hundreds of youths were gathered in Suva, the capital of Fiji, for the Pacific Youth Festival.
The festival has been running from July 13-16 at the University of the South Pacific.
Its aim is actioning the youth agenda, and the participants consider the fight against climate change to be very high on the agenda.
"Climate Change is the biggest threat to Pacific Identity - and youths from across the Pacific must come together to have their opinions on this issue heard," said a statement from the youths.
These island participants hoped to develop a Pacific Youth Climate Declaration at this conference.
This document will be taken to the United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December to represent the views of young Pacific islanders to the world.
"Young Pacific Islanders have a unique message the world needs to hear," said Kirsty Albion, 21, a young Australian who came to Suva for the festival.
"This declaration is a way to make that happen," Albion said.
Albion is one of three young Australians who are working with participants to set up a Pacific Youth Climate Network.
Similar networks operate in other countries such as Australia and India to raise awareness of climate change and to encourage people to live sustainable lifestyles.
"The idea of a Pacific Youth Climate Network is already present in the minds of many Pacific youth," said Albion.
The participants also believe that setting up a network to represent the whole Pacific is much more likely to be successful than setting up smaller networks in each country.
The participants are already passionate about the fight against climate change.
They are confident that with the skills they have learned at the festival, they will be well-placed to achieve their goals.
There are real threats for people in the Pacific as climate change has a direct impact on their societies with rising sea levels and its implications.
(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2009)
