Veivueti Ocean Conference 2025: A Celebration of Student Action and Ocean Connection

To mark World Ocean Day and strengthen our commitment to ocean literacy, ISS proudly hosted the second Veivueti Ocean Conference, bringing together young ocean advocates from across Fiji. Over two inspiring days, students from nine schools—spanning Suva, the Coral Coast, Nadi, and even online from Lau—gathered to connect, collaborate, and take action for our blue planet.

The conference kicked off with a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting led by POLYP, setting the tone for student-led action. From there, students aged 8 to 16 showcased their learning journeys—projects developed over 6–8 weeks in which they identified a local ocean issue, researched it, connected with experts, and linked it to one of the UN Ocean Decade Challenges. These projects were presented to their peers to inspire new action and share knowledge.

The event was supported by an incredible network of partners and experts, including SPC, SPREP, IUCN & BIOPAMA, PRF, OPOC, and the ISS PTA Impact Fund. Keynote speakers like Jens Kruger (SPC), youth advocate Annemary, and Kini from Trashboom Fiji added depth and urgency to the conversations. Students also joined a “ship-to-shore” Zoom call with NIWA’s floating university, connecting science and youth across the Pacific.

A major highlight was the range of on-campus and off-campus workshops, including activities with the Manta Trust aboard the ISS Explorer, freshwater ecology studies with Bindiya Tashni, seagrass and mangrove sessions with GIZ, and cultural and historical connections at the Fiji Museum & the Uto Ni Yalo. Our passionate workshop hosts—from a number of Ocean Experts such as Coral Gardeners, Ika Bula and the National Trust—generously shared their knowledge to deepen students’ understanding and advocacy skills.

The conference wasn’t just about learning; it was a celebration. The ISS Primary Choir opened with a World Ocean Day anthem focused on “Wonder,” and our Year 8–10 Ocean Dance Group brought energy and heart to the closing. ISS students also served as MCs throughout, helping lead the event with confidence and pride. A handful of MUN Y11 students led the Youth Ocean Dialogue session at PIFS, helping to lead the students to make call to action statements. 

The name Veivueti, meaning to gather up and pass on knowledge, was felt deeply throughout. As one participant said, it was “an incredible two-day experience.” The hope now is that every student returns to their school and community empowered to inspire others and continue protecting the ocean we all share.