A proud mother has praised her daughter’s involvement in climate advocacy, saying young people have an important role to play in shaping a safer future following a landmark climate ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Mrs. Viran Molisa Trief – also Vanuatu’s first-ever Ni-Vanuatu female judge of the Supreme Court – expressed pride in her daughter, Vepaiamele Trief, during a discussion hosted by Save the Children Vanuatu on the significance of the ICJ Advisory Opinion (AO) and what it means for Vanuatu’s youth and future generations.
“I am very proud,” Mrs. Trief said. “I am glad for the huge journey our Government of Vanuatu has taken and led the world on the journey of climate justice.
“With the support of the Government, the youth and our children in Vanuatu have a voice in this journey.”
She also acknowledged the support provided by Save the Children and the Government in creating opportunities for young people such as Vepaiamele to participate in important discussions on climate change.
When asked to describe her daughter in one word, Mrs. Trief chose “inspiring.”
“She is inspiring because I see our future with the children and youth of Vanuatu and the world,” she said.
Vepaiamele, a Next Gen Youth Ambassador, said the ICJ AO should encourage greater action by governments to address climate change and environmental protection.
She noted that the opinion reinforces the obligation of countries, particularly major polluters, to take meaningful action to safeguard the environment and protect future generations.
“The youth voices are very strong and very important, and should be included in discussions like this,” Vepaiamele said.
“Any youth who has a passion about climate change has a voice and should use it because these issues affect us and our future.”
Minister Ralph Regenvanu also credited youth advocates and civil society organisations for helping raise awareness of climate justice issues throughout Vanuatu’s international campaign.
He said the strong outcome at the ICJ reflected years of advocacy by young people, community groups and partners who worked to ensure the concerns of vulnerable nations were heard.
“I have no doubt that the work of youth and civil society organisations supporting this campaign contributed to its success,” the Minister said.
He added that the AO made it clear that states and governments have obligations under international law to protect the environment and take every possible effort to prevent climate change from harming future generations.
The discussion highlighted the growing role of young people in climate advocacy and reinforced calls for youth participation in decisions that will shape the future of Vanuatu and the planet.
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
