Two Samoans are among 50 young leaders from more than 15 nations across the Pacific who have been selected to participate in the 2022 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) TechCamp for Climate Action. 

The United States (U.S.) Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, will host the upcoming in-person workshop in Auckland, New Zealand from 29–31 October in conjunction with the Auckland Climate Festival.

From Samoa, it will be Tooa Brown and Faauiga Kalapani who get to represent the country at the 2022 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) TechCamp for Climate Action. 

According to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy on Monday, during the TechCamp, participants will come together with regional and U.S. leaders in the field of climate science and science communication to identify innovative approaches to combat the climate crisis and drive environmental resilience.

The Hawai’i TechCamp Delegate and Lead Researcher for Empowering Pacific Islander Communities under APPI Women Lead, Alana Wilson, said she was humbled to attend as one of the participants.

“I am humbled and grateful to be selected as a Hawai’i representative to attend the Young Pacific Leaders TechCamp for Climate Action. I can’t wait to learn what I can do to further assist and serve Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities,” says Wilson.

She is one of 50 Young Pacific Leaders selected for the TechCamp. Delegates include representatives from 350 Pacific, Pacific Climate Warriors, Pacific Blue Foundation, Hawaii Green Growth Local 2030 Hub, The Nature Conservancy, the Pacific Community, universities, and various national government ministries.

Thomas Udall, the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa said the State Department is really pleased to be able to fund and support the program.

“This is a special and important program to encourage climate action and provide young leaders a chance to share what they are doing in our Pacific region," said Mr. Udall.

"Following the workshop, TechCamp participants will incorporate learnings and technologies to implement seed grant-funded projects to mobilize climate change stakeholders in their communities.”

The White House noted at the recent first-ever U.S. Pacific Islands Summit Country in Washington D.C. in September 2022 that:

“We will work with the Young Pacific Leaders program to increase opportunities and develop new initiatives to engage young adults across the Pacific region in areas like education, the environment, civic leadership, and economic and social development” - The White House, Pacific Partnership Strategy of the United States, 2022.

2022 YPL TechCamp Participants:

American Samoa

Sabrina Kelani Suluai-Mahuka

Cassie Tuineta Mahuka

Australia

Mary Maselina Harm

Caitlyn Baljak

Linh Do

Dominic McCarthy

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Chamorrita Cruz

Fiji

Jovesa Naisua

Raniyah Razia Muhammed

Taitusi Rasoki Dradra

Amelia Caucau

Josevata Lomani

Karan Swadeep Narayan

Varea Fesaitu Romanu

Christian-Yves David Amato-Ali

Gabriel Ratabua

The Federated States of Micronesia

Caroline Werthog

Yota Pacifico Oue

Guam

Lawrence Jay Miclat Alcairo

Farron Taijeron

Hawaii

Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima

Alana Lehuanani Pilialoha Griep Wilson

Jillian Cristobal

Kiribati

Terikano Nakekea

Tiein Taebo

Kaotitera Rawita

New Caledonia

Malik Oedin

New Zealand

Joshua Peauafi

Mitch Shaw

Heleine Chankay

Maraika Rose Saupo Lidgard

Gloria Grace Harvey

Niue

Inangaro Vakaafi

Papua New Guinea

Faith Angoro

Raylance Mesa

Evangelista Apelis

Vinzealhar Ainjo Nen

Jotham Israel Keleino

Samuel Awayang

Maisy Rachael Lus

Samoa

Tooa Brown

Faauiga Kalapani

Solomon Islands

Kate Waowao

Samson Darcy

Tonga

Eseta Maka-Fonokalafi

Loiloi Otuangu Evadne Latu

Atelina Kailea

Sisilia Tupou Fatafehi Alaimaluloa Ulakai

Vanuatu

Joanna Wari

Ratu Bani