Powering the Pacific: Youth at the Heart of the Energy Shift

On World Environment Day, we take the time to reflect on how we produce and consume energy—and how our choices today shape the planet for future generations.

Authors

Akiko Yamamoto

Regional Team Leader for Asia and the Pacific, Environment and Energy,

UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub

Beniam Gebrezghi

Programme Specialist Civil Society & Youth, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub

Local youth participated in the 2025 Bootcamp on Entrepreneurship, Renewable Energy, Green Jobs, and Gender at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Buka, Papua New Guinea. [YECAP]

Across the Pacific, young people are rewriting the region’s energy story—one solar panel, EV battery, and mini-hydro turbine at a time. In 2024, renewable energy grew 15.1% worldwide—while 16.6% annual growth is needed to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, as experts have identified. Representing up to 75% of the total population in Pacific Island countries and territories, here’s how Pacific youth are turning climate challenges into bright new opportunities.

The Power of Youth in the Pacific

For the Pacific Islands, climate action is urgent. With rising sea levels, extreme weather, and vulnerable energy systems, the stakes couldn’t be higher. And youth are leading the charge toward a clean energy future. 

This movement is more than about switching energy sources. It is about rethinking systems and putting communities—and young people—at the heart of the solution.

Turning Sunlight into Opportunity in Papua New Guinea 

In Papua New Guinea, communities are tapping into the power of the sun with youth at the forefront. A large solar farm is under construction to bring electricity to more households, helping to meet the country’s goal of 70% electrification by 2030. At local Innovation Hubs, young people now have access to electricity and the internet for the first time, opening doors to education, business, and training. These spaces support women and marginalized groups, offering clean energy and real opportunities to pave the way for success. 

Young people are also taking part in targeted trainings to build job-ready skills such as digital and financial literacy, soft skills, and awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals. With these tools and resources, they are both responding to climate change and shaping a just and inclusive transition to renewable energy.

Wheel of Change in Samoa 

Meanwhile, the youth in Samoa are driving forward a cleaner, more connected future, beginning with how the country moves—literally. Samoa is revolutionizing the country’s transportation sector by adopting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and updating its policies and infrastructure to support them. Charging stations are being installed, with locals trained to maintain both the stations and electric vehicles. Specialized electric boats and emergency vehicles are also being introduced, cutting emissions from essential services like healthcare and firefighting. 

Youth are getting certified through new professional continuing training curriculum on EV mechanics, developed in partnership with the Samoa Qualifications Authority and local TVET schools. This programme is equipping trainees with the skills to maintain these systems and preparing them to become certified EV mechanics. 

Beyond technology, young people are stepping into policy roles. At the Local Conference of Youth and National Renewable Energy Day in December 2024, they proposed forming a national Youth Climate Change Council to unify the country’s many youth-led climate action efforts. The youth participants recommended that council members be elected from across all districts. This would give young people from every district an official voice in influencing climate and energy policies—a big step toward inclusive governance.

Local youth participated in the 2024 Local Conference of Youth and National Renewable Energy Day in Samoa. [Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Government of Samoa]

Empowering Communities and Energizing Futures in Timor-Leste 

In Timor-Leste, solar energy is changing the game for rural communities—lighting up schools, powering health centres, and bringing electricity to homes that once lived in the dark. The solarization of the National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Products—the country’s medical warehouse—has provided stable, continuous energy essential for storing medication, vaccines, and other critical health supplies at the proper temperature. At the same time, 15 secondary and vocational schools in the country are being upgraded with ICT labs—fully solar-powered and stocked with modern tech to spark digital learning. 

These efforts mean that vaccines stay cold, students can study after sunset, and families can thrive off the grid. It lays the groundwork for long-term development—empowering young people with digital skills, business know-how, and climate awareness they need to succeed in the green economy, take part in the energy transition, and lead it.

In Ainaro municipality, Timor-Leste, young people benefit from solar-powered electricity that enables them to study at night. [UNDP Timor-Leste/Clara Dos Santos]

Exploring Green Opportunities in Vanuatu 

Vanuatu is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030 as part of its strong push for a cleaner, more sustainable future. In 24 remote communities across three sites, innovative green solutions like pico-hydro power systems are offering creative solutions for remote communities. 

These small-scale hydropower systems use local freshwater resources—the blue heart of the islands—to provide clean energy, eliminating the need for large infrastructure. This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cuts pollution, and delivers reliable clean energy to over 3,000 people directly and 6,000 more indirectly, many of whom are youth and the most vulnerable groups. With hands-on training for local communities and the Department of Energy, these systems are built to last, ensuring long-term benefits. 

Recognizing the vital role of its young people in this green transition and the importance of its blue economy, Vanuatu is actively fostering youth entrepreneurship. A Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Study, currently focused on Pentecost Island, explores the challenges and opportunities for young people within the green and blue sectors. The study's findings will shape targeted support for youth-led businesses in areas like renewable energy for agriculture and fisheries, eco-tourism, and value-added processing of local products. This creates pathways for young changemakers to thrive in Vanuatu's evolving green and blue economy.

The Melsisi Pico Hydro and Distribution Network ceremony marked a significant milestone in Vanuatu’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive energy access for its people. [UNDP Vanuatu]

Inspiring Clean Energy Action 

On this World Environment Day, we can draw inspiration from the Pacific where renewable energy is lighting homes, powering schools, and keeping essential public services—such as water supply, healthcare, and waste management—running reliably and sustainably.  

At the heart of this transformation are the communities, especially young people, who are driving change. When they are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead, they don't just adapt to the future—they shape it. That is why it is crucial to elevate youth voices and empower them to create the future they envision. We must listen to them and act now, making the right investments so that young people can drive a cleaner, more resilient world for generations to come.

The Pacific Green Transformation Project (Pacific GX), under UNDP’s Climate Promise and funded by the Government of Japan, supports Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu in transitioning to renewable energy and green growth. In collaboration with the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), a regional youth-led platform supported by Sweden and Pacific GX, this initiative highlights how young people across the Pacific are leading the green transition. Pacific GX and YECAP are working together to equip youth with the skills, platforms, and resources they need to drive impactful climate action.

This article was originally published by UNDP Asia and the Pacific here.