Marking a Historic Moment - Opening Ceremony for the ICJAO Oral Hearings
The Opening Ceremony for the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (ICJAO) hearings ceremoniously opened the hearings in a festive manner, centering community, collective joy, and the start of the pinnacle of the ICJAO journey to the World’s Highest Court. This gathering brought together a diverse array of voices, cultural traditions, and collective action to pave the way for impactful advocacy work during the oral hearings of the ICJAO on climate change and human rights.
A Warm Welcome Through Cultural Unity
The event began with a heartfelt and warm welcome to all attendees from moderators Noemi Zenk-Agyei (WYCJ) and Belyndar Rikimani (PISFCC). A traditional Kava Ceremony followed, and all speakers were invited to join together for a traditional Pacific opening led by Honourable Ralph Regenvanu. Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment for Vanuatu. This cultural opening was a powerful reminder of the deep connections between Indigenous traditions and environmental stewardship.
Keynote Contributions: Urgency, Action and Tradition
Keynote speakers and artists underscored the critical realities of the climate crisis and the need for immediate, unified action. Between the first and second acts of the opening ceremony, the audience is taken on a journey to Fiji. On behalf of Fiji, Dylan Kava shared his personal message to the judges of the ICJ. His message was part of the witness stand videos that WYCJ and PISFCC created with media partner Interactive Media Foundation to increase the participation of witnesses worldwide with this historic climate justice proceedings. The testimony by Dylan set the tone for the afternoon and reminded the audience of the importance of the coming weeks.
After Dylan’s moving words, Vishal Prasad, campaign director of the PISFCC, took the stage and welcomed the visitors to The Hague. Vishal shared insights about the importance of these historic hearings and the long journey to get to this point. His call to action highlighted the importance of love, courage and knowledge to push for a future we collectively deserve. Vishal also mentioned the aim of including those who will not have the chance to appear in person before the court. After Vishal’s welcoming words, Ralph Regenvanu took the stage and provided a warm Pacific welcome to all attendees. He highlighted how important it is to merge collective interests and how collaborative efforts between the youth and governments brought the world together in The Hague.
The powerful words of the Honorable Ralph Regenvanu were followed by Raki Ap, international spokesperson of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Raki Ap. Raki explained the role that colonialism played and still plays as a driving factor behind the climate crisis. He continued to explain how the struggle for self-determination of the people of West Papua is intertwined with the struggle for climate justice. This moving speech given by Raki encompassed the resilience and aspirations of the people of West Papua. After Raki’s speech, the audience was taken on a musical journey by Vinolia Koerni. She both played and sang traditional music from West Papua and embodied the fighting spirit of the people of West Papua.
The fight for climate justice is a global one, a fight that is not only being fought in the Pacific by young people. This became clear once more when Pia Hollenstein took the stage to share her personal story from Switzerland. Pia Hollenstein is part of KlimaSeniorinnen, the group that sued the government of Switzerland for insufficient action to protect the rights of elderly women from the effects of the climate crisis. Ms Hollenstein’s presentation was insightful and perfectly embodied the intergenerational approach that is so desperately needed in the climate discourse.
After Ms. Hollenstein’s insightful presentation, the stage was set for Zaire Krieger. Zaire Krieger is a poet, writer and spoken word artist. She effortlessly weaved together the topics of identity, social equity and environmental urgency in the context of the climate crisis and the ICJAO. Her poetry was both inspiring and touching. This notion of inspiration through storytelling is carried through in the keynote of Kjelld Kroon.
Kjeld Kroon is a climate justice activist from Bonaire, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In his intervention, Kjelld explained the symbiotic relationship that his people have with the sea and the land. He continued to explain that this special bond is being threatened at the cost of his people due to the climate crisis. The rise in sea level is directly threatening the people on Bonaire. This threat is so severe that Kjelld and a group of people from Bonaire decided it was time to sue the Dutch Government for failing to protect the people living on Bonaire. It is a different court and a different climate case, yet outcomes are ultimately intertwined.
The Pacific in The Hague
John Taukave, Khazin and Camilla brought the Pacific to The Hague and filled the room with warmth thanks to their wonderful cultural renditions of songs accompanied by dances that represent and celebrate indigenous Pacific culture. The audience was invited to join and dance on stage with the performers; a true warm Pacific fest was put on display for the world to see. The evening concluded with reflections and a memorable performance by the Honourable Teburoro Tito, Kiribati's ambassador to the UN and former president. His words and songs underscored the transformative potential of unity in addressing the climate crisis.
Before the event transitioned into a reception, Jule Schnakenberg (WYCJ) took the stage and formally closed the event. She thanked all speakers, performers, volunteers, and people who traveled from all over the world to attend these historic hearings in The Hague and explained what these next two weeks would look like.
This opening ceremony set the stage for a transformative chapter in the much-needed fight for climate justice. By amplifying the voices of frontline communities and fostering global solidarity, the outcome of the ICJAO hearings has the potential to be a turning point in our collective efforts to safeguard the rights of present and future generations. We are optimistic about what the ICJ will have to say.
AO let’s go!