Tiein’s Story

In the heart of Kiribati, a 27-year-old climate advocate, is helping lead a movement that places youth at the forefront of change. Tiein, is vice president of Tungaru Youth Action, a youth-led organisation registered just three years ago. She is part of a growing network of young leaders tackling some of Kiribati’s most pressing challenges - from climate change to youth unemployment.

“In our organisation, we’re all about empowering youth,” Tiein explains. “Not just to build their capacity, but also trying to get resources to them so they can take action.”

“Youths, they have potential, but without the skills, without the knowledge, we won't be able to do much. Our experience is that we don't have a lot of resources as well. And one of the important things that we always encourage in the workshops that we do or in our conversation with youths in Kiribati, is the importance of intergenerational dialogue. Gaining as much knowledge as we can and learning from our older people or our parents or those people with more experience than we do.”

Growing up in Tarawa, Tiein has always felt a deep connection to the ocean. “We as Pacific Islanders, we are wayfinders,” she says. “Our livelihood is very much dependent on the ocean and its resources.”

But that way of life is under threat. Tiein has witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change: rising sea levels, eroding coastlines, and increasing temperatures. These changes aren’t just affecting the environment, they’re impacting social and economic life in Kiribati. They’re also influencing migration patterns as the rising tides claim more of Kiribati’s land – a commodity already in short supply.

Tiein and other young people on Kiribati are taking action. They’re investing in growing plants that are heat-tolerant and planting on higher ground where possible. 

“I feel like just telling stories is not enough,” she says. “I believe we just all have to be optimistic. Because if we're pessimistic, nothing can ever be done. Just doing small things can make a big impact.” 

Tiein ends by talking about wanting to be good ancestors for future generations. It’s clear that she and the team at Tungaru Youth Action are already heading in the right direction.