Francine Valmaria Elisaia, High Seas Youth Ambassador for the Pacific, reports on her work at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga to ensure that Pacific youth and Pacific voices are included in discussions and decisions about the High Seas.
As the first High Seas Youth Ambassador from and representing the Pacific region, my goal at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tongatapu, Tonga, on 26-30 August was to deliver a clear message: it is crucial to include Pacific youth and Pacific voices in discussions and decisions about the High Seas. I aimed to ensure that our perspectives are not only heard but also truly reflected in decision-making processes.
Joining me in the friendly islands of Tonga was High Seas Alliance’s Oceania Regional Coordinator, Olive Vaai. The High Seas delegation for the PIF was a power duo and we both worked diligently to share insights into our work on pushing for the swift adoption and ratification of the High Seas Treaty by Pacific island countries.
Upon landing in Tonga, Olive and I collected our bags and made our way straight to the Pacific Ocean Alliance reception which was hosted by the High Seas Alliance in collaboration with Oceans5, Waitt Institute, and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commission. The reception was a great opportunity for me to meet with like-minded ocean champions including the Prime Minister of Tuvalu His Excellency Feleti Teo, Lord Speaker Fatafehi Fakafanua of Tonga, world-renowned marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, Pacific Climate Warriors, and many other incredible people working in the ocean space – many of whom were familiar faces that I hadn’t seen since I was living in New York!
The following days were full-on and packed with forums, dialogues, panels, and side events. On the first day of the PIF, I was fortunate enough to participate in the PIF Youth Summit. Despite heavy rain and severe flooding that morning, the Tongan Parliament House was filled with Pacific youth from all over the region. Throughout the summit, Pacific youth voiced their concerns and called for greater youth involvement in shaping their futures – to enhance people-centered development. The United Nations’ Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, was also in attendance and echoed the youth’s concerns and supported the need for greater Pacific youth participation in decision-making processes saying that we must have a say in shaping our own futures, too.
After fruitful dialogue at the summit, I then joined Olive at the Pacific People’s Forum which was separate from the PIF. There, we presented on topics and issues pertaining to globalization, people-centered development, issues in Pacific governance, and more. With one more event for the day to go, we then made our way to the Faua Wharf where the crew of the Uto Ni Yalo boat that sailed from Suva, Fiji to Tonga were officially welcomed. I didn’t expect to get emotional at the welcoming, but seeing firsthand the exchange of culture between my Tongan and Fijian brothers, sisters, aunties, and uncles, was soul-enriching. There were many eyes left teary from the powerful representation of Pacific unity and the room was filled with emotions and feelings of gratitude, relief, courage, love, solidarity, and peace. I am so grateful I witnessed this sacred ceremony of Pacific cooperation and resilience.
Following a great first day of the forum, the second and third days were filled with insightful “talanoa” or discussions on pertinent issues in the Pacific. Although it was important for me to expose myself to Heads of Governments, Delegates, and Government Officials, it was equally important that I met and talked with the people who are currently working in their countries on a more localized level. The People’s Forum, which was organized by Civil Society Organizations in the Pacific, was the best opportunity for Olive and I to build trust with the local community members who are currently championing collective and common interests, many of whom are working at a grassroots and community-based level. These are also the same people who will help implement key actions in the treaty throughout their communities. Their voices must be heard and reflected in key decision-making processes just as much as those of higher-level diplomats. My engagement with local community members underscored the significance of the High Seas Treaty and fostered a sense of ownership among my newfound friends and Pacific family.
To wrap up the week-long forum, Olive and I presented on the High Seas and its Treaty. As the Pacific High Seas Youth Ambassador, I focused my presentation on the necessity for youth voices and perspectives to be integrated and appreciated not only in the implementation and execution of the Treaty, but in its developmental phase, too. After all, it will be the youth constituency who will have to work hard to achieve the key components set out in the document. Seeing that there were many young primary and secondary school children in attendance that day, I shared a Tongan proverb that goes: “Si’i pe kae ha” which translates to “We are a small island, but we are still great”. This was an important reminder to all youth that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, in the grand scheme of things, our potential and impact are immense. Just like a small island with a great influence, young people can have a significant effect on the world, despite their size or experience, and will always play an integral role in the livelihood of Pacific communities.
Not only did I leave Tonga with joy from getting to attend such a great forum which allowed me to reconnect with old friends and make new ones too, but I also left Tonga with a renewed and greater passion to advocate for the High Seas and its Treaty’s swift ratification.
Francine Valmaria Elisaia, High Seas Youth Ambassador for the Pacific
Francine embarked on a career journey as a Terrestrial and Biodiversity Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Samoa, within the Division of Environment and Conservation.
Engaged in environmental initiatives from a young age, Fran has actively participated in various projects and clubs, advocating for sustainability and youth involvement in shaping a greener future. Notably, she served as a Youth Speaker and Representative, contributing to discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals and its declaration.
Driven by a deep connection to her oceanic roots and a desire to give back to her community, Fran aspires to further her impact through the Youth Ambassador Program. She aims to honor the ocean’s significance to herself and the people of Samoa, continuing her stewardship of climate action and environmental preservation.