The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has appointed Samoa legal expert Vui Gemma Nelson as Ocean Adviser, under the Chairmanship of Palau.
AOSIS, established in 1990, represents the interests of 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate, sustainable development, and ocean negotiations. Though small in size, AOSIS member states have long played an outsized role in shaping historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, advocate for loss and damage funding, and secure ocean protections.
Vui joins the Secretariat during a transition, as Ilana Victorya Seid, Palau’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, assumes the role of AOSIS Chair.
Ambassador Seid also co-chairs the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and brings to the role an unwavering commitment to blue diplomacy and equitable ocean governance.
“I’m so excited to join the AOSIS team under Palau and Ambassador Ilana Seid’s leadership,” said Vui, who holds a Chiefly title from Lano in Savai’i. “Most of my experience has been with the Pacific, so working with all Small Island Developing States regions will be a new and rewarding challenge. But I’m looking forward to learning from, and contributing to such a talented and hardworking team.”
A skilled diplomatic adviser, Vui brings a decade of experience in international law, ocean policy, and multilateral diplomacy. Most recently, she supported countries under the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, assisting delegations in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Plastics Treaty, and sustainable development negotiations.
Her previous roles include serving as an Advisor to the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the UN and Pacific Ocean Adviser for the Permanent Missions of both Samoa and Palau.
“AOSIS and Pacific Small Island Developing States play a critical role right now,” she said. “Through the Chairs, these blocs have driven some huge wins for SIDS negotiations on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, Loss and Damage, the International Criminal Court Advisory Opinion on climate. In today’s world that feels so divided, that kind of cooperation is important. And for our people on the ground, it’s important to see what can be achieved when SIDS come together.”
Vui began her legal career with the Office of the Attorney General in Samoa and later contributed to regional capacity building by developing a diploma in fisheries investigation, now offered at the University of the South Pacific. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Diploma in International Oceans Law and Policy from the Rhodes Academy.
“I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with the Ocean and sustainable development teams in different processes over the years, and it’s an honour to now be part of the team,” Vui added. Reflecting on the personal significance of her appointment, she shared: “I hope to do Samoa proud in this role, and especially for the little girls running around with no shoes and untamable hair, this is for them.”
As the Ocean Adviser under AOSIS, Vui will help coordinate negotiations and technical work on ocean governance, marine biodiversity, and sustainable blue economy priorities, working closely with SIDS across regions to amplify their collective voice in global decision-making arenas.
