UNICEF Pacific

From Kiribati to Fiji, Solomon Islands to the Federated States of Micronesia, children of the Pacific are taking over and making their voices heard. It’s #WorldChildrensDay 💙

Dear world leaders, listen to the future. Children and young people of Tuvalu are urging you to uphold their right to a safe and healthy environment. This #WorldChildrensDay, we’re calling on leaders to protect the rights of every child.

It’s #WorldChildrensDay! Today, we invite children to share their hopes and dreams for the future. Today, we invite adults to listen to the future. Join us!

"With rising sea levels, Pacific islanders are forced to migrate to higher grounds, leaving behind our homes and cultures" - Jobod, a climate activist from the Marshall Islands. As leaders gather at #COP29: this is a reminder ⬇️ Children and young people need to be included in the decisions that affect them and their future.

12-year-old Omar from the Federated States of Micronesia joins children from across the world to share his vision for the future he wants to see - a world where children can experience normal childhoods.   This is their collective letter to adults.   #WorldChildrensDay

UNICEF welcomes Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to the Solomon Islands. Through Gavi and UNICEF’s strong and continuing support, the Solomon Islands Government has introduced new vaccines, extended the country’s immunization supply chain through cold chain and health system strengthening to reach unreached children with life-saving vaccines – all contributing to high immunization coverage and saving children’s lives. With Gavi, UNICEF will continue to support Pacific Island governments in strengthening immunization efforts so that no child is left behind.

This little one is about to receive her essential vaccinations on the main island of Fongafale in Tuvalu. In a small island country like Tuvalu, geographical isolation can make it challenging to reach children with life-saving vaccines and ensure proper temperature is maintained throughout the journey. Thanks to support from UNICEF, Tuvalu has a well-functioning vaccination programme with trained health workers and an effective cold chain system that keeps vaccines safe and effective throughout the journey – from manufacturer to child. #ForEveryChild, a healthy future 💙

Young people of the Pacific are telling us the future they want. As leaders meet at #CHOGM2024 and upcoming #COP29, UNICEF Champion and Climate Activist Moemoana Schwenke shares her continued call to climate action.

Our digital community for young people, by young people is coming to Samoa. “It’s a tool to bring young people closer to governments and organizations, ensuring that our voices are heard and included in important decisions,” says Gataiamanu, a U-Reporter from Samoa. At the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2024, UNICEF presented its U-Report - UNICEF’s social messaging platform, where young people can raise their voices by speaking up on issues that matter to them, become future ready and create positive change in their communities and country.

Putting children and young people at the forefront of discussions is vital to achieving a resilient Blue Pacific Continent. At #CHOGM2024 joint forum opening ceremony, UNICEF Champion for Children Moemoana Schwenke and 5-year-old Aaria Samuelu handed over UNICEF-supported “Voices of Children” booklet to the Prime Minister of Samoa Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. The booklet features poems, letters and drawings from children on the future they want to see.