Voices of a generation: a unique Photo Camp collaboration between ministries of health, National Geographic Society and WHO empowers youth to tell stories of climate change and health

The importance of visual storytelling was manifested from 12 to 16 October in Kiribati when 20 young persons from Tarawa and the outer island of Marakei participated in a National Geographic Photo Camp, learning how to use the power of photography to share their stories about climate change in their Pacific island country.  

Guided by National Geographic Explorers, local photographers and educators, the students acquired foundational photography and storytelling skills, enabling them to capture compelling visual narratives that reflect how climate change is reshaping their homes, communities and well-being − and how young people themselves can be leading agents for change. 

National Geographic Society’s world-renowned Photo Camps offer youth a powerful platform to raise their voices. The activity in Kiribati was a collaboration among the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region, the WHO country liaison office for Kiribati and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which provided generous funding. Two other National Geographic Photo Camps for youth will take place in Mongolia in November and the Philippines in December. 

Shaping the global narrative on climate change  

Photo Camp Kiribati reignited a passion for conservation of not only the environment but also the vibrant culture in Kiribati. Summarizing one of the biggest takeaways from their experience, participants shared: “Kiribati is an island nation facing the effects of climate change. Yet it’s also a place full of life, home to our traditions and a resilient culture of connection to the ocean.” 

Throughout the five-day workshop, participants explored themes such as coastal erosion and sea-level rise, water scarcity, food security and heat stress, and how all of these impact health in a Pacific island country whose very existence is at stake. They captured the beauty of their communities and rich cultural heritage, highlighting the need for the global community to come together to help protect and preserve their home and environment. Above all, the visual storytellers portrayed the resilience, strength and wisdom of Pacific island communities in the face of the biggest crisis across generations.  

“As the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’,” said Dr Sandro Demaio, Director of the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Health and Environment in the Western Pacific Region. “It’s sometimes difficult to grasp the complexity and enormity of the climate crisis, making it easy for people to tune out. Through startling, compelling, poignant images taken by the young people of today, we can reach the hearts and minds of wider audiences, including governments and policy-makers. And, not least, offer youth a chance to have their say on the existential crisis of our time.” 

Participants in the Kiribati National Geographic Photo Camp learn about foundational photography and storytelling skills. Photo credit: National Geographic Photo Camp / Kirsten Elstner

Selected works from the National Geographic Photo Camp in Kiribati are currently on display at the Denarau Island Convention Centre in Nadi, Fiji, this week during the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.  

These works − as well as those from the upcoming Photo Camps in Mongolia and the Philippines − will also be featured in future regional and global exhibitions, further amplifying the voices of youth in advocating for urgent action on climate and health.  

The National Geographic Photo Camp in Kiribati was generously supported by KOICA as part of the US$ 6 million project “Te Mamauri: Making health adaptation for the future resilient islands – Kiribati outer islands for climate health action.”      

^{Participants in the Kiribati National Geographic Photo Camp learn about foundational photography and storytelling skills. © Kirsten Elstner}

Learn more about the Photo Camp in Kiribati in this spotlight story.

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