A Leadership Program designed to strengthen diverse Pacific youth to lead ambitious climate justice action from frontline communities to global decision-making.
In brief
Program Format
9-month hybrid program
Duration
April – December 2026
Open to
Ages 20 – 30
Open to Nationals from
Fiji, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
Key Dates
Applications Open: February 9, 2026
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Selection: March–April 2026
Launch: April 2026
The Why
The Lived Reality
For our communities across the Blue Pacific, the climate crisis is not a distant policy debate or a series of statistics—it is a lived reality. From the systematic salinisation of our fresh water and the destruction of ancestral burial grounds to the increasing ferocity of cyclones, we are on the frontlines of a global emergency we did little to create.
This is more than an environmental struggle; it is an issue of justice. It is a challenge to our sovereignty, our human rights, and the sacred intergenerational responsibility we hold to protect our islands for those who come after us. We do this to honor the stewardship of our ancestors, as the future ancestors for the next generation of climate justice leaders for the Pacific.
Our Radical Ambition
In 2019, 27 law students at the University of the South Pacific dared to dream of the "impossible": taking the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court. That ambition led to the historic 2025 ICJ Advisory Opinion, which finally clarified that States have binding legal obligations to prevent climate harm and protect the rights of present and future generations.
From Presence to Power
While the Pacific youth have has gained a seat at the table, we recognise a persistent gap. Too often, our youth are included tokenistically or lack the technical resources to navigate complex multilateral negotiations, face challenges in their advocacy and movement building and left behind from global spaces.
The Yumi Rise Collective is our answer.
Our hope is not to just train Pacific youths, but cultivate a new generation of Pacific leaders to continue the work of the climate justice community. Our vision is to bridge the gap between Pacific wisdom and worldviews and high-level global power, ensuring that when Pacific youth enter the room, they do so as technically proficient, strategically, and grounded with the lived realities and experiences from the region.
The Leadership Program Experience:
A 9-Month Learning Arc
The Yumi Rise Collective moves beyond traditional classroom training to offer a holistic, integrated journey. Adopting a "Learn, Practice, Act" pedagogical approach, the programme is structured into four distinct phases designed to transform emerging advocates into seasoned leaders.
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The journey begins by rooting participants in the wisdom of the Blue Pacific Continent. This approach privileges Pacific ways of knowing, working, and being - such as storytelling and Talanoa, to build consensus and collective identity. Simultaneously, Leaders gain foundational expertise in International Climate Law, with a specialised focus on leveraging the ICJ Advisory Opinion as a tool for national and international advocacy.
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In this phase, the focus shifts to the mechanics of global change by looking at the global climate policy space. It will look at the different structures and forums that are pivotal, such as the UNFCCC processes, providing essential knowledge to comprehensively understand existing barriers to change, the underlying historical and oppressive injustices that continue to lie at the heart of climate catastrophe while exploring new ideas, spaces and platforms to bring about systemic change. Leaders will also explore various other linked technical sessions such as those on human rights, climate and environment law, science, and gender and their intricate interconnections with climate justice
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To ensure learning is translated into action continuously, there will be opportunities for Leaders to participate in different activities, from impact projects, to internships and climate dialogues.
Every leader will design and complete mini-projects at different intervals of the programme. These projects will allow the Leaders to focus on specific climate justice issues within their home country or field of expertise, ranging from legal policy briefs and community-led research to documentary films and grassroots advocacy campaigns. Leaders will also have the opportunity to contribute to the work of PISFCC throughout the cohort period to gain a more practical understanding of working within the climate justice movement. Where possible the programme will also work with the Leaders to have placement opportunities within other climate justice organisations, to gain specialised hands-on experience. There will also be opportunities for Leaders to engage in climate discussions at national, regional and global levels and understand multilaterals in action, allowing practical knowledge of Pacific positions and approaches to global negotiations.
Key Pillars of the Collective
The Yumi Rise Collective is built upon a foundation of non-negotiable values that reflect the core identity of PISFCC and the unique needs of Pacific youth. These pillars ensure that our leadership is not only effective but also ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Program Commitment & Support
Intergenerational
Mentorship
Wisdom in Motion- We believe that the most powerful leadership is rooted in the transfer of knowledge between generations. Every participant is thoughtfully paired with a seasoned practitioner such as international lawyers, climate negotiators, community elders, or movement leaders from PISFCC’s extensive global network. This relationship provides one-on-one professional guidance and strategic advice, ensuring that the fire of youth is guided by the steady hand of experience.
GEDSI-Centered Justice
Inclusive by Design- Climate change impacts are not felt equally, and our leadership must reflect that reality. The Collective is built on an intersectional framework that embeds Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into every module.
Wellness & Resilience
Sustaining the Movement- Advocating for the survival of our islands carries an immense mental and emotional weight. To honour our duty of care, we integrate dedicated wellness support to help Fellows navigate climate anxiety and prevent burnout. Through facilitated sessions on self-care, community care, and peer support networks, we equip our leaders with the resilience needed for a lifelong commitment to the movement.
Duration: A 9-month hybrid program (April– December 2026) designed to align with your academic or professional year.
Format: The majority of learning is delivered virtually to ensure accessibility, complemented by strategic in-person retreats for deep relationship-building.
Accessibility Support: To remove financial barriers, we provide support for Leaders throughout the duration of the program, for telecommunications, travel and other expenses.
The conclusion of the Yumi Rise Collective is not an end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey within a powerful regional movement. By joining the Collective, you become part of a community dedicated to the resilience of our islands.
The Alumni Network: A Lifeline of Support
Upon completion, participants transition into a professionally managed Community of Practice. This network is designed to sustain the momentum of your cohort and amplify your impact through:
A Trusted Space for Peer Support: A confidential platform to share challenges, seek strategic advice, and navigate your professional journey with peers who share your values.
Collaborative Action: Opportunities to co-author publications, launch joint regional campaigns, and coordinate advocacy efforts across sectors.
A Gateway to Opportunities: Exclusive access to professional development, scholarships, funding grants, and high-level speaking engagements.
Sustaining the Movement
Our vision is a self-sustaining cycle of leadership where the student becomes the guide. As our alumni grow into established roles within regional institutions, they return to the Collective as mentors and guest speakers for future cohorts.
Our Legacy
A Community for Life
Who Should Apply?
Eligibility
Ages 20–30
Open to Pacific Islanders from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
9-month hybrid:
April–November 2026Expect 5-8 hours/week.
Ideal Participants
We encourage applications from young people, between the ages of 20-30 years old, across a broad spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds. Whether you are a student, an early-career professional, or a community organizer, your unique expertise is needed. We are specifically looking for:
Legal Advocates: Emerging scholars and practitioners in international and environmental law.
Storytellers & Artists: Creative professionals using media, film, and the arts to drive narrative change.
Policy Enthusiasts: Those eager to navigate the complexities of the UNFCCC and national climate policies.
Community Leaders: Grassroots organizers with a demonstrated commitment to community-led climate justice.
Scientists & Researchers: Individuals providing the evidence-based data needed for high-stakes advocacy.
How to Apply?
Application outline:
Before applying, it is recommended that you download a paper copy of the questions, answer in the editable document before copying and pasting to the form to ensure you do not lose your submission due to any reason.
*Note: ONLY applications submitted through the application form will be accepted. In exceptional circumstances, emailed applications may be accepted. If you require this, send an email to yrc@pisfcc.org explaining your reason(s) for the emailed application so that the programme team can send you the proper documents.
Note: We expect there to be an increase in submissions towards the final days. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they find the time to prepare and submit the application in a timely manner. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Have questions? Read our FAQs for the programme.