KiriCAN proudly champions the next generation of Pacific climate leaders through the transformative Kiribati-Australia-Tuvalu Exchange Program (KATEP)—a bold and inspiring initiative led by the Edmund Rice Centre, in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This program is more than an exchange; it is a powerful platform equipping young voices from Kiribati and Tuvalu with the tools, confidence, and global networks they need to lead the fight for climate justice and bring the Pacific’s frontline realities to the world stage.
This unique exchange program empowers young leaders from Kiribati and Tuvalu with the knowledge, skills, and platforms needed to advocate for climate justice and share the lived realities of the climate crisis in their island nations.
While in Australia, participants took part in a powerful series of engagements designed to strengthen their voices and connect them with allies in the climate movement. Activities included:
- Community Engagement – Meeting with local Australian communities to raise awareness about the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on the Pacific.
- Cultural Exchange with First Nations Leaders – Sharing experiences and learning about land, identity, and cultural preservation from Australia’s Indigenous communities.
- Networking with the Pacific Diaspora – Building relationships with Pacific communities in Australia to foster regional solidarity and collaboration.
- Advocacy in Parliament – Delivering powerful speeches and heartfelt testimonies to Australian policymakers, urging immediate and meaningful climate action.
These young leaders carried with them the hopes, stories, and calls for justice from their communities. Their message is clear: climate change is already threatening the survival of their homes, cultures, and futures—and the time to act is now.
Beyond raising awareness, the program helped develop critical advocacy and leadership skills that will support their ongoing efforts at national, regional, and global levels. The experience has not only amplified their voices but also strengthened their resolve to be agents of change.
KiriCAN is committed to continuing its support for youth-led climate advocacy and ensuring that Pacific voices are heard loud and clear on the world stage. These young changemakers represent the resilience, courage, and determination of their people—and their journey is only just beginning.Together, we rise for climate justice. Together, we amplify Pacific youth.