Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has appealed to the younger generation to lead the fight against climate change.

He closed the World Ocean Day celebrations yesterday where he renewed the appeal.

“Our schools, universities and youth groups of all kinds are powerful agents for change. And the notion of protecting our seas and oceans – protecting our environment – can even begin with very small children at home or in day care and our kindergartens.

“Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, when we begin leaving here tomorrow, let us all rededicate ourselves to making a difference. Let’s return to our homes determined to persuade others to make a difference. Because with passion and commitment, the power of one can easily become the power of many,” he said.

He said our aim should be to make all 7.5 billion people on earth defenders of our seas.

“Protectors of the great natural asset that we have inherited and merely hold in trust for future generations”.

“We do not have the right in our own lifetimes to squander the earth’s resources. Just as we do not have the right to alter the ecological balance or have an adverse impact on climate. It doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to all time. And we are not owners but custodians.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj