The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change group (PISFCC) has been honored with the esteemed Right Livelihood Award for 2025, recognizing their impactful contributions to climate advocacy. This award will be shared with Julian Aguon, a Chamoru lawyer and prominent environmental activist.
The PISFCC’s journey began with a small group of law students from the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu, who have successfully brought the climate crisis to the forefront of international law. A significant achievement attributed to their advocacy is the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this past July. The ICJ confirmed that states have binding obligations to prevent climate harm and protect human rights, marking a historic advancement in the global fight against climate change.
Vishal Prasad, PISFCC’s director, dedicated the award to the Pacific region, emphasizing the vital role of youth activism and community leadership in addressing climate issues. Prasad expressed pride in the acknowledgment, stating it exemplifies the determination of young people and vulnerable communities advocating for climate justice. The award ceremony took place in Stockholm, Sweden, highlighting various activists for their dedication to prominent global challenges.
The ICJ’s advisory opinion is crucial as it outlines the responsibilities of governments to prevent environmental harm. This pivotal ruling empowers vulnerable nations, particularly in the Pacific, by equipping them with the means to seek reparations from those causing climate change. The court’s recognition of each state’s duty to maintain a healthy environment is particularly relevant for Pacific Islanders, who face the severe consequences of climate-related disasters such as rising sea levels and destructive storms.
PISFCC’s achievements symbolize not just individual success but a broader movement of hope and resilience in the pursuit of environmental justice. This growing momentum signals that the voices of Pacific youth, in conjunction with international coalition-building, are starting to influence global legal frameworks. Such progress suggests a promising pathway for more effective climate policies that promote justice and foster a cooperative global response to one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The collaboration of youth-led initiatives within international law creates a hopeful prospect for sustainable futures for all impacted communities.