In the second episode, we hear from Solomon Yeo, who is the campaign director of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. Yeo is from the Solomon Islands and his concern for the environment and inequality originates from the devastating effects of climate change that he witnessed firsthand in his home country. He recognizes the pressing need to take action and has dedicated himself to advocating for climate justice. Solomon shares how the organization he co-founded, Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, has a youth-centric approach, recognizing the crucial role that young people play in shaping the future. He explains how the organization educates and involves youth in their campaigns and initiatives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions towards tackling the pressing issues of our time.Solomon shares some of the obstacles they have overcome and how young people can help overcome them. He also discusses the organization's collaborations with other groups,  stakeholders, civil society and how young people can be a part of this movement.

Throughout the episode, Solomon emphasizes the impact and effectiveness of young people's involvement and contributions, discussing key metrics and indicators used to track the success of their campaigns and initiatives.

On February 20, 2023, Vanuatu, along with 17 other core group members, uploaded the final draft resolution requesting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) onto the UN's e-delegate portal. Solomon highlights the significance of this resolution and how widespread co-sponsorship will send a strong and unambiguous signal that nations are united in their commitment to abide by existing climate obligations under international law and to successful international climate cooperation.

The Coming to the Mat podcast series is a three-part collection of episodes that follows the journey of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. The series aims to highlight the inspiring stories of young people who are taking action to combat the devastating effects of climate change on their island communities.

The series explores how these students, who come from 8 different Pacific Island countries, have banded together to fight for their future. Through personal interviews, the podcast delves into the individual experiences of the students and the unique ways in which they, collectively, are fighting climate change.

One of the key focus areas of the series is the role of Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation, in leading a core group of nations to draft a question to ask the International Court of Justice. This question seeks to clarify what the obligations of states are in protecting the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.

The Pacific Islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their small landmass and low elevation, which make them more susceptible to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and other climate-related disasters. These students have witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change on their homes and communities and have taken it upon themselves to make a difference.

The podcast explores how these students have used their voices and platforms to advocate for climate action, raise awareness, and implement tangible solutions. It showcases their resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of significant challenges, including lack of resources and political will.

Introduction: In the first episode of the Coming to the Mat podcast series, the hosts interview two members of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) to learn about their mission and how they are using their education to combat the climate crisis affecting Pacific Island nations.

In the first episode of the series, the hosts interview two members of the group to find out how they got started and how they are using their education to help mitigate the climate crisis that is affecting Pacific Island nations today. The episode highlights how the group launched a petition calling upon leaders of Pacific Island nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand, to commence the process of seeking an advisory opinion on human rights and climate change from the International Court of Justice. In 2021, the PISFC  welcomed the announcement by the Vanuatu Government to take on the campaign to seek an International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the issue of climate change and human rights as a huge milestone for the campaign. This marks a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and a significant win for the Pacific Island students who have been fighting for their future. The podcast also discusses how this regional youth-led organization has been campaigning for an advisory opinion from the Court since 2019 and now has expanded throughout the Pacific with members from Primary schools, high schools and majority being University students.

An interview with Joana Bule who suffered through 2 category 4 cyclones in 2 days in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change: Advocating for Climate Justice and Human Rights - Solomon Yeo (campaign director)

Solomon Yeo, a law student from the Solomon Islands, is the campaign director of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. His passion for addressing climate change and inequality stems from the devastating effects of climate change that he witnessed firsthand in his home country. He recognized the urgent need to take action and dedicated himself to advocating for climate justice.

As one of the founding members of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, Solomon plays a crucial role in leading the charge towards a better future for our planet. His responsibilities include coordinating and organizing campaigns, building partnerships with local leaders and organizations, and advocating for climate justice on a global level.

Currently, the organization is seeking an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Solomon provides updates on the progress of the campaign and highlights the importance of including human rights with climate action.

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change has a youth-centric approach, recognizing the critical role that young people play in shaping the future. Solomon discusses how the organization educates and involves youth in their campaigns and initiatives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions towards tackling the pressing issues of our time.

Despite the successes of the organization, they face significant challenges in bringing about meaningful change. Solomon shares some of the obstacles they have overcome and how young people can help overcome them. He also discusses the organization's collaborations with other groups and stakeholders and how young people can be a part of this movement.

Throughout the episode, Solomon emphasizes the impact and effectiveness of young people's involvement and contributions, discussing key metrics and indicators used to track the success of their campaigns and initiatives.

On February 20, 2023, Vanuatu, along with 17 other core group members, uploaded the final draft resolution requesting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) onto the UN's e-delegate portal. High-ambition climate-leading states can now co-sponsor the resolution immediately through their UN Permanent Representatives. The resolution will remain open for co-sponsorship until its adoption by the General Assembly, expected in late March or early April 2023. Widespread co-sponsorship will send a strong and unambiguous signal that nations are united in their commitment to abide by existing climate obligations under international law and to successful international climate cooperation. The text of the resolution is publicly available at bit.ly/413ZlS1 and is open for co-sponsorship now.

Special Thanks To: 

Host: Saiya McElderry for conducting and hosting the show with Solomon Yeo

Audio production: Chun Chia Tai 

Production Manager - Dr. Meré Tari Sovick

Song: Climate Change ICJ Theme Song: The song highlighting Vanuatu's initiative to ask the International Court of Justice to deliver an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States under international law to prevent significant harm to human rights and the environment. www.VanuatuICJ.com

Welcome to the Coming to the Mat podcast where we celebrate the stories, history, and perspectives of remarkable Pacific Island women. Each episode is an opportunity to explore new topics that highlight the rich cultural heritage of our Pacific Island nations, from Culture and Traditions to Health and Wellness, Economy and Business, and more. Join me, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick, as we embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
Today, we delve into the significant topic of repatriation, specifically the repatriation of human remains from the Pacific region that were stored in German collections. The repatriation effort is part of Germany's acknowledgement of its colonial past and its commitment to confront this history. Our guest today, Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo, is a Fijian archaeologist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Göttingen in Germany.
Dr. Vunidilo is well-versed in the field of archaeology and has a passion for sharing her knowledge about the histories of places, artifacts, and Indigenous peoples. During her four-month fellowship at Göttingen, Dr. Vunidilo is working to develop a comprehensive research agenda on the repatriation of more than 1,000 human remains from Oceania, with 900 of those coming from Papua New Guinea.
In this episode, we will explore Dr. Vunidilo's work on repatriation, the significance of preserving Pacific indigenous cultural heritage, and her experiences as a researcher from the Pacific. Join us as we delve into this enlightening conversation and discover the importance of connecting with societies of origin in the region, so that human remains can be returned to their rightful homes. So sit back, relax, and let's explore this topic of discovery and inspiration together!

Today, we are going to talk about what some like to refer to as the drink of the Gods or the gift of the Pacific to the world and of course by that, I mean KAVA. A plant of the Pacific that has been around for thousands of years and is of traditional significance to many of the peoples of the Pacific Islands. This is a 2 part episode - In this episode - I will take a dive into Kava from the eye of an anthropologist, with my good friend Mr. Kirk Huffman where he will reveal how he got to drink kava for the first time and some of the fascinating facts about kava. Joining him is my husband - Jason Sovick who will also share about his first time drinking kava as a way of socializing in a different country and culture especially for a young American Peace Corp volunteer just out of college.

Episode 23

In this episode, we talk to Marylou Mahe who is the designer behind the MWT Facebook cover and the COMING TO THE MAT podcast. Ms. Mahe is an indigenous Kanak woman from Houaïlou in the Kanak country of Ajë-Arhö in New Caledonia. She considers herself a decolonial feminist designer, and an Educator of English literature who's passion is to show representation of the Kanak and Pacific Island women in her designs.

In her discussion with us, she spoke of "double colonization" which refers to the idea that women are not only discriminated against because of their race, but also by men because of their gender.

Music: Carmen Marcias is an indigenous Kanak Woman Song writer, singer, poet and teacher of English literature. Ms. Marcias is also Marylou Mahe's mother who inspired her to pursue her passion as an English language educator, but to also embrace her talents as an artist and to be a strong independent woman.

Episode 22 - Esther Haluk - West Papuan Activist

West Papuans have struggled for their freedom since they were annexed by Indonesia and robbed of their right to a fair referendum in 1969. While the independence struggle continues, it is the voice of the West Papuan women that have gone unheard.

In this episode, we talk to one Indigenous West Papuan Activist, Esther Haluk to understand more about the compound plights the Papuan women face and why their voices and rights are being silenced.

Esther Haluk is one of the many indigenous West Papuan women activists who have made it her mission to continue to fight for the freedom for her people by telling her story so the world can hear about the continuing mistreatments and abuse against the indigenous Papuans by the Indonesian military forces. Esther, is also a lecturer at the Walter Post Theological Seminary in Jayapura, where she teaches Gender studies and conducts research relating to women and children issues. Esther comes from Wamena, the capital town of the Jayawijaya Regency in Papua's highlands, in the Baliem Valley. She comes from the Dani tribe of the central highlands of West Papua

CREDIT

https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/struggle-self-determination-west-papua-1969-present/

https://www.freewestpapua.org/info/history-of-west-papua/

https://www.freewestpapua.org/info/history-of-west-papua/

SBS World News

Enough Is Enough - Testimonies of Papua Women Victims of Violence and Human Rights Violations 1963-2009

https://www.ictj.org/sites/default/files/ICTJ-IDN-Enough-Women_Papua-Report-2010.pdf

Song - Freedom by George Telek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYKnlg5hQOo

Episode 21 - One woman's quest to restore the Melanesian Hauskuk to its rightful place in a Modern setting, and deconstructing the Western Kitchen.

“But for me, it went more than that. I realize that we need to restore the dignity of indigenous Melanesian Food Culture, or cuisine. Starting with my particular sub ethnic group.I say sub-ethnic group specially because obviously, Vanuatu like PNG has many diverse sub ethnic groups as well too…” Claire Asi

In this episode, we are going to talk to one woman who has made it her mission to work towards Restoring the Melanesian Hauskuk to its rightful place in a Modern setting, and deconstructing the Western Kitchen by unraveling what is Indigenous Melanesian Food, Identity and Globalization. Given that there are many layers to cover with indigenous food, identity and globalization, our guest prefers to the frame the discussion as -

“uncovering layers of indigenous food culture and the impacts of globalization – starting with a post-colonial identity.”

Unraveling the indigenous consciousness through traditional and progressive food culture. We also discuss within the context of layers that form part of the existentialism of the Melanesian, the Neo-Melanesian is a multi-faceted and multi-contextual identity that is very much post-colonial.

Meet Claire Asi - Claire Asi is from the country of Papua New Guinea (abbreviated as PNG), most specifically from the central province and from the Rego District of PNG. She has a background in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG ).

Sisters & Co. Catering on their facebook page

Sisters & Co. Catering

https://www.facebook.com/Sisters-Co-Catering-102887541214936/posts/

Rigo District, Papua New Guinea

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rigo,+Papua+New+Guinea/@-9.6595343,147.3351469,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x69031deb120e85b1:0x7956f29f3bbc5506!8m2!3d-9.7921909!4d147.825395

Music:

Rigo Peroveta - Alikuni Youth (Central Province - Papua New Guinea). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUTz6oLJGKA

Final count down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAhPz2rbths

In this episode, we look at the role of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, and western science in Ecosystem-Based Adaptations especially when it comes to ​​marine conservation. Things like Human activity such as overfishing, and climate change have been known to cause coral bleaching. Overfishing causes the number of fish to plummet and slowly breakdown the biodiversity if there is no proper ecosystem-based adaptation plans in place to manage our ecosystems.

So what can be done about it?

Dr. Mere speaks with Naomi Longa, who is a team leader for the Sea Women of Melanesia (SWoM) program based in Papua New Guinea. Hear about the incredible work of the SWoM, a group of Indigenous women who trained to safeguard coral reefs under threat from climate change.

The goal is to give women in the South Pacific region the skills to monitor the health of coral reefs, and create, and restore marine protected areas. Last year, they were named Champions of the Earth, the UN's highest environmental award, in the Inspiration and Action category.

WELCOME Naomi Longa - joining me on the Mat from the Papua New Guinea

Links:

Sea Women of Melanesia https://www.seawomen.net/

Champions of the Earth: The Sea Women of Melanesia https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/12/1108282

Sustainable Period Pads for the Sea Women of Melanesia. https://hub.givar.com/connect/org/CoralSeaFoundation/campaigns/sustainable-pads-for-sea-women

Music:

Am Sailing to Blue Ocean by Naio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzrGL2aNJbA