The University of the South Pacific (USP) proudly welcomes the release of the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on climate change, marking a watershed moment in international law and climate justice advocacy.
The Advisory Opinion (AO) was requested by the United Nations General Assembly following years of grassroots campaigning. The landmark AO clarifies the obligations of states under international law to protect the environment and the rights of present and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
At the heart of this global legal breakthrough is a story that began at USP, where a group of passionate law students in a small classroom envisioned a bold idea to take climate change to the world’s highest court.
Their movement, the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), has since grown into an internationally recognised youth-led advocacy campaign and a symbol of Pacific leadership on climate justice.
Professor Afshin Akhtar-Khavari, Head of USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences, said:
“We are immensely proud of our students, who sparked a movement that I believe will go down as a defining moment in the evolution of international environmental law.”
“Their efforts led to proceedings before the ICJ that attracted unprecedented global participation – the highest in the Court’s history. The jurisprudence emerging from this case is potentially much more significant than the landmark case of the Nuclear Weapons Advisory Opinion back in 1996.”
“The judgment clearly and unequivocally develops the customary law obligations and responsibilities of States regarding climate change – binding all nations irrespective of their commitments under climate change treaties.”
“It will force all government departments worldwide to now pore over this 450+ page judgment to mitigate sovereign risk and pre-empt litigation, even if they have not signed up to climate change treaties.”
“As a seasoned international law academic, I never imagined that such a profound and unanimous ruling would be written by a full bench of 15 judges.”
Cynthia Houniuhi, President of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) group and USP alumna, said:
“Six years ago, when this journey began at the USP Emalus Campus, we looked at this legal pathway as a symbol of hope. Today, the world’s highest court has listened to the voices of youth and confirmed what we’ve long believed: that the law is on our side. I’m proud to be on the right side of history.”
“The Pacific has shown what’s possible when governments lead with courage and unity to protect people and the planet. The ICJ’s opinion is more than a legal milestone; it’s a call to action.”
“It must now guide not only courtrooms, but climate negotiations and policy decisions around the world. We’re ready to keep building this momentum – together.”
USP commends the work and voices of its students, alumni and researchers across the region who are leading change and shaping global dialogue on climate and environmental law.
The University reaffirms its commitment to preparing the next generation of Pacific leaders, climate advocates and scholars through its programmes and initiatives such as the newly established Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF).
