A 16-year-old Samoan gave a presentation on climate change recently at an exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland that highlighted creativity and inventions from children around the world.

The Climate Champions Invention Challenge exhibition at the Palais des Nations [Palace of Nations], Geneva, Switzerland had on show some 800 ideas that showcased the urgent need for children to be involved in climate decisions.

The exhibition was organised by the  European Union Delegation in collaboration with Child Rights International Network (CRIN), Little Inventors and the Rights Studio. It opened on 21 September 2022 and will close on 30 September 2022.

Aniva Clarke gave her presentation via video link from New Zealand and talked about the climate crisis and the need for governments and leaders to take action.

"The climate crisis is something that needs to be taken very very seriously," she said. "Its impacts are extremely prevalent in the Pacific islands, demonstrating that it is not yet to come but it is already here.

"My islands are at the forefront of climate change with issues such as the sea level rise already having an enormous impact on people's lives by destroying our lands and homes.”

Turning to world leaders, Ms. Clarke urged them to take up the fight against climate change.

"And it is up to you as world leaders to start pushing for world action and governments to change to start fighting climate change before it's too late," she said. "Please remember that our future is in your hands.”

Ms. Clarke was appointed one of 12 global youth advisors on the inaugural Children's Advisory Team, established to facilitate youth consultations on children's rights, the environment and climate change.

Samoa’s Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, who is currently in Geneva for the 2nd UN Committee of the Rights of the Child Meeting, told the Samoa Observer that he saw Ms. Clarke’s presentation.

"Children are being heard on climate change and Aniva Clarke, who is Samoa's representative on the Children's Advisory Committee," he said. "She was astounding!”

The Children’s Advisory Team (CAT) will work with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child as they prepare official international guidance about how children’s rights are impacted by the climate crisis.

The exhibition in Geneva and Ms. Clarke’s presentation coincided with a workshop last week hosted by Samoa's Office of the Office of the Ombudsman for children and young people to validate and finalise their submission toto the Committee on the Rights of the Child, gather views on the Office’s State of Human Rights Report 2023 questionnaire, raise awareness of opportunities where the children’s submission will be used, as well as raise awareness on the UN resolution on the right to a clean and healthy environment.

According to a media release issued recently by the Office, the Children and Young People’s Working Group got the opportunity to present their report (informed from views expressed by students who took part in July Forum) back to the bigger group for their feedback and to validate recommendations made.

Ranjesh Prakash – Social Inclusion Officer from the Pacific Community Fiji, Momoko Nomura - Human Rights Advisor from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and Aniva Clarke – Child Advisor on the UN CRC Advisory Committee on Climate Change also made presentations specifically on the session focusing on Climate change and right to healthy environment linking this to the rights of children.

The guest speakers all emphasised the importance of children’s participation and voices on issues affecting their rights especially those that have and will be greatly impacted by climate change. 

The event also saw participants take part in recording a promotional video to celebrate the International Day for Deaf Awareness on the theme – “Building Inclusive Communities for All”.

In moving forward, the Children and Young People’s report will be presented before the UN DRC Committee once the State provides its national report in the coming months. It will also inform the Office’s State of Human Rights Report for 2023.

The Office acknowledged the support of parents and teachers for allowing the students to take part and to Ms Momoko and Ms. Clarke for their contributions. It also acknowledged the participation of the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development and members from its Advisory Council Caroline Ryan (Child Rights Advisor) and Ari Hazelman (Disability Advisor).