By Hannah Nanovu, ISS Ocean Coordinator

The Veivueti Ocean Conference returned for its third year in 2026, bringing together more students, schools, educators, ocean experts, and community partners than ever before. What began as a vision to share the learning taking place through the ISS Ocean Programme has grown into a powerful platform that connects young people from across Fiji through a shared passion for the ocean.

Held over two days and aligned with this year’s United Nations World Ocean Day theme, “Reimagining Our Relationship with the Ocean,” the conference welcomed 130 students aged 8–16 years and 40 teachers from 14 schools across Fiji, including participants from Beqa and communities throughout Viti Levu. This year the conference was endorsed by the United Nations, recognising its contribution to youth engagement and ocean literacy across the Pacific.

The conference is designed to do more than simply teach students about the ocean. It creates opportunities for young people to explore the challenges facing their communities, connect with experts, learn from one another, and discover how they can become part of the solution.

In the months leading up to the event, students worked on ocean-focused projects inspired by issues that matter to them and their communities. From marine pollution and coastal conservation to biodiversity and climate change, students selected a topic of interest and connected it to one of the United Nations Ocean Decade Challenges. Through research, inquiry, and action, they explored their chosen issue and developed advocacy projects designed to create positive change.

At the conference, students shared their learning journeys through a wide variety of presentation styles, including formal presentations, debates, songs, dances, videos, and creative performances. Each presentation offered a unique perspective and highlighted the passion, creativity, and commitment of Fiji’s young ocean advocates.

One of the strengths of Veivueti is the opportunity for students to learn directly from local ocean experts, scientists, conservationists, and community leaders. This year, students participated in workshops hosted by organisations and experts including Ika Bula, Coral Gardeners, Shark Lab, and many others. In total, 14 workshop and field trip hosts generously shared their expertise, helping students dive deeper into topics that sparked their curiosity.

These workshops are a cornerstone of the conference experience, providing authentic, hands-on learning opportunities that simply would not be possible without the support of our incredible partners.

As workshop facilitator Tiana Leilei from Kids Climate Innovation Pacific reminded students:

“The future of Fiji and the Pacific will not be shaped by knowledge alone. It will be shaped by young people who can think critically, collaborate with others, communicate ideas, solve problems and adapt to change.”

Students also had the opportunity to participate in off-campus field experiences, adding another layer of learning to the conference. Some explored traditional sailing and navigation practices with Uto Ni Yalo Trust, while others visited cultural and educational institutions such as the Fiji Museum. These experiences strengthened the connection between scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge, demonstrating the importance of both understanding and caring for our ocean.

For younger participants aged 8–12 years, a beach clean-up and marine debris survey led by POLYP provided an opportunity to take direct action. Students collected, sorted, and analysed waste found along the coastline, helping them better understand the impacts of marine pollution and the role they can play in reducing it.

Meanwhile, students aged 13–16 years participated in a Youth Dialogue centred on Fiji’s 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy. Through collaborative discussions, students unpacked the strategy’s seven pillars, identified key challenges facing the ocean, and imagined what a thriving Blue Pacific region could look like in 2050. They then mapped out practical actions that young people can take today to help achieve that vision.

One powerful message emerged from these discussions—a call for greater ocean literacy within Fiji’s education system.

“We need ocean literacy in the Fiji school curriculum so all young people can better understand, value, and protect our ocean,” shared one student participant during the dialogue.

The conference was expertly hosted by ISS student MCs, whose enthusiasm and energy helped create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere throughout the two days. Visiting schools also had the opportunity to explore the Year 6 Habitat Preservation Interdisciplinary Unit exhibition, which showcased student learning about marine ecosystems and conservation. The exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity to share the learning taking place within the ISS community and inspire visiting students through the work of their peers.

The event was further enriched by contributions from a number of distinguished guests. Students received a special recorded message from Dr Filimon Manoni, Ocean Commissioner from the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC). We were also honoured to welcome Permanent Secretary Dr Sivendra Michael, while Mereseini Marau from OPOC helped bring the conference to a close with inspiring reflections on youth leadership and ocean stewardship. ISS Head Student and Fiji World Ocean Day Representative Kye Nanovu also shared his experiences and encouraged students to recognise the important role they play in shaping the future of our ocean.

Events like Veivueti are only possible through strong partnerships and community support. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, including the ISS PTA, SPC, and the many organisations, experts, and volunteers who contributed their time, resources, and expertise to make this year’s conference possible.

What makes Veivueti truly special is that it creates a space where young people can learn from one another. Students arrive with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas, yet leave inspired by what is possible when they work together. They discover that their voices matter, that they can contribute to meaningful change, and that they are not alone in their passion for protecting the ocean.

As I looked around the conference this year, seeing students sharing ideas, asking questions, engaging with experts, and inspiring one another, I was reminded of why Veivueti began. It started as a simple idea—to extend ocean learning beyond the ISS campus and create opportunities for young people across Fiji to connect through a shared passion for the ocean.

Three years later, that idea has grown into a thriving community of learners, educators, scientists, traditional knowledge holders, and youth advocates. The conference continues to grow in strength each year, planting seeds of curiosity, action, collaboration, and hope.

If we are truly to reimagine our relationship with the ocean, we must invest in the next generation. Veivueti is one small way of doing that—creating a space where young people can learn, listen, collaborate, and lead. The future of our ocean will depend on the actions we take today, and this conference reminds us that Fiji’s youth are ready to be part of that journey.

The seeds planted through Veivueti are already taking root, inspiring a new generation of ocean leaders across Fiji.