University of the South Pacific students create history with Climate Justice Award

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has celebrated the historic global recognition of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), after the youth-led campaign won the 2025 Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday. 

Often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” the award honours individuals and organisations whose work addresses urgent global challenges. 

What began with 27 USP law students in a Vanuatu classroom has now shifted to international law. Their campaign led to a landmark Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, confirming that states are legally obligated to prevent climate harm, safeguard human rights and protect present and future generations. 

PISFCC director Vishal Prasad said this award truly belongs to our whole region which continues to stand tall against the climate crisis's. 

USP’s Head of the School of Law and Social Sciences, Professor Afshin Akhtar-Khavari, said the achievement shows the global influence of Pacific youth. 

“This recognition gives us hope that the lived reality of the people in the region will be acknowledged, and that we might start to see structural changes in the patterns that fuel climate change,” he said.

 PISFCC president and USP alumna Cynthia Houniuhi said the award was a reflection of USP’s founding vision. 

“Although we come from humble beginnings, this recognition proves that Pacific islanders can shape the future of our region and contribute meaningfully to the global community,” she said. 

The Right Livelihood Award Foundation also honoured activists from Myanmar, Sudan and Taiwan.