The importance of youth presence at COP spaces was underscored by SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra during the virtual Pacific State of Play session.
“Youth can be valuable because governments react to pressure from within, not so much from outside. The more they can network with youth from other countries, the better,” DG Nawadra said. “You can reach where negotiators and government cannot reach.”
Youth Leaders Amplifying Pacific Voices
Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia-Allan is part of the Pacific Youth voice at COP29. Joining her for the virtual media briefs this week was Luna Lomitusi, electrical engineer, founder of Pollinate SAMOA, curator of Global Shapers Apia, and actively researching renewable energy pathways. They have been busy sharing and networking with global youth and high-level panels at COP29, highlighting the critical role of young people in the fight against climate change.
“One of the things that we are trying to do is vocalise the importance of showing the youth that these issues relate to them,” Miss Samoa said. “But it is also showing them that we have a seat at the table. The presence of Miss Kiribati and Miss Palau here at COP29 is to show that all these conversations have repercussions that youth will eventually inherit.”
Using her platform, Miss Samoa stood in solidarity with her government and AOSIS, calling for greater youth involvement and education about the climate crisis.
“Our people need to know because we are at the front line, and we are the most vulnerable,” she explained.
She emphasised that her presence alongside fellow Pacific beauty queens demonstrates they are more than just pageant faces—they are voices of purpose and passion for their communities.
“We have a very special angle when we come as a Pacific. We come as a collective,” she said, reflecting on the unity and inspiration shown during Youth Night at COP29.
“I think being in these spaces, one thing that I’ve noticed from a lot of our youth is a lot of frustration and sometimes disillusionment in terms of promises not being kept,” she added. “But that night of celebration and hope gave us a fresh breath to go again.”
Innovative Visions for a Sustainable Future
For Lomitusi, the wow moments while following technology discussions at COP29 have been powerful. She humorously describes herself as a “glorified notetaker” while reporting to her delegation on tech-related matters. She sees COP as a platform to bring innovative energy solutions to Samoa.
“I’m following technology in the hopes that the NCQG [New Collective Quantified Goal] is approved so it would move forward in new thematic sessions or create new goals in technology,” Lomitusi said. “I’m hoping next year, if it is finalized, we can start bringing in more funding or innovative technologies to the island to introduce renewable energy solutions that don’t currently operate there.”
Lomitusi expressed awe at the opportunities COP provides to connect with global experts and resources.
“I enjoyed meeting other youths who are in the energy space, like a Norwegian biomass engineer who explained the massive energy produced from biomass alone. These are the types of people you meet at COP—they’re the ones we can look to for guidance,” she said.
She envisions Samoa tapping into untapped renewable energy sources, such as tidal energy and water desalination, to combat challenges like droughts and water shortages.
“If you think about it, the ocean is rising. Don’t you think it would be a great idea to use these rising tides for fresh water to supply the islands? These are thoughts that go around in tech spaces for youth,” she shared.
A Call for More Pacific Representation
Lomitusi urged for greater Pacific representation at future COPs to amplify collective action and strengthen the Pacific’s presence on the global stage.
“We need more Pacific colours on the ground during COPs to bring us together as a collective and make our presence known,” she said.
With their unique perspectives and innovative ideas, Pacific youth leaders are demonstrating that they are vital contributors to climate negotiations and solution.
