Agents of change: Youth turning climate challenges into action
This International Youth Day, 12 August 2025, ICLEI Oceania celebrates the transformative and powerful leadership of youth driving climate action across the globe. From youth ambassadors driving systemic changes in African food systems, to grassroots initiatives in the Philippines, to the inspiring advocacy from Pacific youth confronting climate change and holding institutions accountable, young people worldwide are leading the charge as changemakers.
“Youth engagement is not a luxury — it is a necessity”
(United Nations, 2025)
Photo by Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change https://www.pisfcc.org/fullgallery
Case studies: AfriFoodLinks and the Philippines
Through the AfriFoodLinks programme, young leaders are transforming urban food systems by championing the inclusion and formalisation of informal street food markets, while bridging dialogue among communities, food systems actors, and policymakers. Their bold innovation demonstrates that youth are critical in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient food futures.
In the City of Baguio, Philippines, empowering youth through co-design, capacity building, and partnership has led to their direct engagement in urban planning processes and innovation. By tapping into their creativity and dynamism, the city has unlocked tangible and meaningful progress in safety and community well-being.
Student advocacy in the Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) is a powerful example of youth-led climate action in the Pacific region. What began as a passionate initiative launched by 27 law students across eight Pacific nations has evolved into a global force, influencing international dialogue and inspiring action beyond the region. Through persistent advocacy, petitions and global mobilisation, PISFCC pushed the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion recognising state obligations on human rights and climate change. This landmark victory not only supports frontline communities with a legal foundation for climate justice and accountability but also proves that when youth unite, they have the power to reshape global narratives.
ICLEI Oceania’s vision to empower youth
ICLEI Oceania recognises youth leadership as the driving force of climate action today. ICLEI Oceania is committed to standing with young leaders by amplifying their voices and supporting their vision for a climate-resilient future. Globally, ICLEI Oceania understands that institutional systems need bold transformation. This change must draw on the creativity, courage and conviction of youth. Aligned with ICLEI’s Vision on Youth Engagement in Global Climate Action, ICLEI Oceania acknowledges the diversity of young people and their needs across the globe. While the youth are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, they are also among the most courageous. They play a vital role in bridging the gap between global sustainability goals and grassroots change, turning ambition into reality. ICLEI Oceania remains dedicated to supporting their innovative solutions and ensuring youth remain at the forefront of the movement for a just, sustainable future.
Youth representatives presented the Youth Manifesto at the ICLEI World Congress 2024.
Written by: Kelly Leong & Bengisu Inan, Project Officer Interns - University of Melbourne ICLEI Oceania