The voices of young people in the Pacific, who are affected by climate change, should not just be heard they must constantly be involved in the decision making of key forums like the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP.

That was the point made by Samoan climate activist, Brianna Fruean, when she was given the chance to ask a question to COP26 President, Alok Sharma, during“The Road to COP27 Pacific Climate Dialogue with UK COP26 Presidency” last week.

"Honorable Alok Sharma, you've said before that young people are vital in the fight against climate change," Ms. Fruean said.

"Knowing this how will you make sure that these young vital voices aren't just seen in these processes but are actually heard and are given space to actively be involved on the road to COP27?"

Mr. Sharma acknowledged the question and said there are a lot of plans and activities in the COP processes to recognise the important role of young people, especially the youth. He referred to the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow.

"I took part in a whole range of events during last year and met lots of youth on my travels, and a lot of those conversations were very very frank and I know that young people are very angry," Mr. Sharma said.

"I have two daughters who are twenty and twenty two. We speak about these issues very very regularly and I know as a generation you are very concerned about what the future holds.

"The decisions being made by today's world leaders are going to impact a lot more on your generation than they are on mine.

"And therefore I think what we need to ensure that throughout this year our presidency we continue to give platforms for youth voices to be heard and that actually that also carries forward to future COPs as well."

He said that at every COP there is an opportunity for a peaceful protest.

"And of course, we want to ensure that those voices and that sense of ability to influence what is going on as part of this process is again seen at future COPs as well.

"I'm quite sure that our friends in Egypt, our friends in the [United Arab Emirates] and those who have cooperated into the future will recognise this and ensure that appropriate events are organised so that youth voices are amplified."

The session, made possible through a partnership between the UK COP26 Presidency, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the Pacific Community (SPC), the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP), was well attended by Pacific Leaders, Ministers, officials, CROP agencies, partners and key stakeholders.