Suva, Fiji - Fifty years ago, in 1972, the world recognized for the first time in history that the environment, poverty and sustainable development were interconnected. It united under the slogan “Only One Earth,” and ushered in a new era of environmental multilateralism that embodies the inclusive and peaceful world we want to build.

Today, the need for accelerating action for environment, poverty alleviation and human rights is more pressing than ever. And, without the concerted effort of young people, the world cannot make peace with nature nor achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of Fiji’s preparations to the Stockholm+50 Conference, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Sweden, held a youth consultation in Suva on Mon 23 May, bringing together around 30 participants, representing indigenous communities, marginalized groups, civil society and non-government organizations in the country.

The purpose of the youth dialogue was to amplify the voices of youth on how to achieve a healthy planet and to gather their recommendations on the three dialogues of the leaders of the international conference "Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity.”

Addressing the youth delegates, Ms. Yemesrach Workie, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji provided a resounding message, “Young people like you are bringing new energy, creativity, and dynamism to these consultations. It is time to make a difference. You carry in your hands the future and hopes of our people of the Pacific and especially in Fiji, so we leave no one behind.”

“UNDP and its partners would like to work with you all to ensure that the Stockholm+50 Conference in June will bring concrete inputs that would benefit Fiji, its ecosystem and people the most,” she said.

“Let us make sure our leaders bring the ambition and action needed to address the triple planetary emergency.”

The one-day consultation provided a platform for young people and representatives from various youth organizations to share how they could contribute to the preservation of the environment, raised their awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and also developed their clear and specific recommendations for the Stockholm+50 international conference.

We are not token and we continue to see injustices amongst our people; it’s time to take action,” said Kalisito Biaukula of Rainbow Pride.

“Pacific youth are at the forefront of protecting our islands, our oceans and our planet. We need to continue to push youth voices and stories,” Suzanne Turaganiwai a marine debris artivist and founder of Benu ni Waitui.

"We have so often heard of leaders telling youths to actively participate but once we do, our issues are not being addressed. As a young indigenous woman, I need to be included,” said Ani Tuisausau, the representative from Alliance for Future Generation.

Five decades after the Stockholm conference in 1972, leaders around the globe will gather in Stockholm during the week of World Environment Day on 2 and 3 June 2022 to reflect and accelerate urgent action.

The leadership dialogues of the Stockholm+50 international conference will address the following themes:

• Leadership Dialogue 1: Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all;
• Leadership Dialogue 2: Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Leadership Dialogue 3: Accelerating the implementation of the environmental dimension of Sustainable Development in the context of the Decade of Action.

The youth consultation is significant in including young people in the actions needed to address and shape a future that is resilient to the challenges being faced today.

The results of Fiji’s consultations and those happening in 170 countries across the globe will form the basis of national reports as it is all synthesized into a global summary report to be presented at the Stockholm+50 international meeting.

The final meeting and presentation of the country position within the framework of the Stockholm+50 is scheduled on 30 and 31 May.

For more information about the Stockholm+50 international conference: www.stockholm50.global

For more details, please contact:

Emily Moli, Knowledge Communications Analyst, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.
Email: emily.moli@undp.org; Ph: (+679) 3227 504 / 7225 301