Youth Voices Build a Climate-Resilient Future for Vanuatu

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 2 September 2025: With inspiring energy and determination, young people joined a consultation during the recent Conference of Youth, to help shape Vanuatu’s new National Adaptation Plan. The national plan will safeguard the whole population from the escalating impacts of climate change.  

More than 50 youth participants, from all provinces, took part in the consultation facilitated by UNICEF, in partnership with the Vanuatu Climate Action Network. The participants, many of whom are already active in climate and environment projects, shared their perspectives on the challenges of the climate crisis; identified what is missing from current policies; and recommended the most urgent measures needed to safeguard their communities and their future.  

“As young people, we are the generation that will inherit the impacts of climate change. We must be part of the National Adaptation Plan because we are tomorrow’s leaders, so our voices matter and must be heard,” said Grace Jacob, 16 years from Prima, Vanuatu. “A strong National Adaptation Plan means building resilience for our islands, our families, and our future.”  

In the past decade, Vanuatu has faced repeated cyclones, ashfalls, and a major earthquake, severely impacting homes and livelihoods. According to the Climate Risk Index 2025, it ranks ninth among the countries most affected by extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022, due to high economic losses, fatalities, and numbers of people affected. 

The Conference of Youth was selected as the most appropriate forum for the consultation, as it brings together passionate young people from across the country, including those from remote provinces that are otherwise difficult to reach. 

UNICEF is supporting the Government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Climate Change and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in developing the National Adaptation Plan, ensuring children’s rights are integrated throughout the plan. UNICEF is leading work on the education chapter of the plan and advocating for children’s voices to be included across all areas. 

“This process is a critical step towards making sure that children and young people have a seat at the table as Vanuatu prepares for the realities of climate change,” said UNICEF Pacific's Chief of Vanuatu Field Office, Eric Durpaire. “UNICEF is committed to supporting their voices, alongside the Government and partners, to build a resilient future for every child.”  

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