BY CHRIS ALEX
Belinda Maunia Rikimani from Malaita Province has made history as the first Pacific Islander to receive the esteemed Peter Leon Prize for her powerful article on climate justice.
The award-winning piece was published in Roundtable: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies, highlighting the human impact of climate change on Pacific communities.
Rikimani, who holds a law degree from the University of the South Pacific and currently serves as Secretary to the Trade Disputes Panel, is also a founding member of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, a regional youth-led advocacy group.
Speaking to Tavuli News, Rikimani described the moment as “very humbling and an honour” not just for herself, but for the entire region.
“We feel very humbled, very grateful and honoured… to be the first Pacific Islander,” she said.
“It’s a humbling recognition for me to be able to represent Solomon Islands in such global stages.”
Her article, she explained, was written in two parts—first highlighting the real-life struggles Pacific Islanders face due to the intensifying impacts of climate change, and second, proposing actionable solutions such as seeking an International Court of Justice advisory opinion to address the global justice gap.
“Climate justice is about covering issues affecting people’s livelihoods… and how we adapt to the changes brought by climate change,” Rikimani shared.
She hopes her recognition will encourage other young Pacific Islanders to believe in their potential.
“My advice for all the young ones is just to keep doing what you do best. Trust the process…Don’t let [criticism] take you down. And always believe that there are open doors.”
The Peter Leon Prize, awarded annually, recognises the best policy-oriented article on contemporary Commonwealth issues. Rikimani’s achievement marks a significant step forward for Pacific voices in the global climate conversation.
