The ‘Child-Centered Climate Change Adaptation (4CA)’ Program supported communities in six Pacific Island Countries to adapt to the risks and challenges of climate change. The program’s focus, unique to the region, fostered the capacity of children and young people in building resilience. Part of awider initiative by Plan International (PIA), an international child rights organization, 4CA aimed to address the urgent threat posed by climate change to children’s survival, development and protection.Between 2011 and 2015, the programwas delivered by a network of civil society organizations working under the umbrella of Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI).
The 4CA program has been highlighted by Equity for Children as one of the few significant initiatives by international child rights organizations to put young people at the centre of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management. While most recognize the growing threat of climate change to children’s wellbeing, efforts to create child-sensitive approaches and programs have been limited.
In addition, 4CA’s targeting of the most vulnerable children and communities, and empowering them through information and resources, provides a model grounded in equity and rights.