A UNICEF Pacific press release dated 21 September 2026 reported that the Government of Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, joining more than 75 countries and territories in committing to place the rights, needs and voices of children and young people at the centre of climate policies and action. Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Management Ralph Regenvanu signed it during Vanuatu's annual Conference of Youth in Port Vila.

The release stated that nearly half of Vanuatu's population is under 18. It said an estimated average of 5,700 children were displaced each year due to weather-related disasters between 2008 and 2020, and approximately 58,000 children required humanitarian assistance following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. It added that nearly 90 per cent of schools are exposed to drought risk and more than one-third face recurrent flooding.

According to the release, young people at the conference then presented Regenvanu with a petition calling for stronger youth participation in climate decision-making. UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young was quoted commending the government's step, and 19-year-old Brenda Jimmy of Lelepa Island, Efate, urged leaders to prioritise young people's future. UNICEF said it is working with governments including Vanuatu to turn such commitments into action.