Young people from across the Pacific gathered in Moorea, Maohi Nui from 27-31 October 2025 for the Council for World Mission (CWM) Pacific Region Youth Initiative, calling for stronger action on climate and nuclear justice.
Participants came from member churches including the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Congregational Union of New Zealand, Cook Islands Christian Church, Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, Kiribati Uniting Church, Nauru Congregational Church, United Church Papua New Guinea, United Church Solomon Islands, and Etaretia Porotetani Maohi.
Meeting under the theme of nuclear and climate justice, the youth gathered to learn, share, pray, and reflect as one Pacific family. The setting of Maohi Nui, with its natural beauty and deep history, offered an introspective space for listening and dialogue.
Throughout the programme, participants explored key themes such as youth leadership, climate justice, nuclear justice, and partnership. They heard stories from communities in Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, and other Pacific nations, highlighting both the challenges faced and the resilience of the people.
The group also visited areas affected by nuclear testing, gaining a deeper understanding of the long-term impact on land and communities. Many shared that being physically present helped them better understand the realities of injustice and strengthened their sense of solidarity.
Bible studies played an important role during the gathering. Participants reflected on the Lord’s Prayer in the context of climate change, exploring what it means to care for creation as part of their faith.
At the close of the initiative, participants committed to raise awareness, support advocacy efforts, and engage their churches and youth groups through education, prayer, and dialogue.
They also highlighted the importance of living out justice in everyday practices. Participants encouraged future gatherings to create healthier environments, noting concerns about exposure to secondhand smoke during the event.
To mark the closing of the event, a statement was drafted and issued as a call to churches, communities, and partners across the Pacific to join in the work of justice. They called for accountability and healing in response to the region’s nuclear legacy, stronger action to address climate change, and protection of land and ocean from harmful practices.
Click here to download the statement in full.
