Capacity building, access to information, networking and opportunities are on the radar for the Samoa National Youth Council with its Chair currently attending a Commonwealth summit in the United Kingdom.

The Samoa National Youth Council Chair, Va’agi Kevin Lucky, told the Samoa Observer on Friday that he is currently attending the Commonwealth Youth Leaders Forum and summit in London, and Samoa's focus areas during the summit include capacity building, accessibility to information, networking and opportunities that could be explored.

“The agenda for the London conference over the next two weeks covers topics such as leadership, strategic planning, proposal and project management and other important topics," Va’agi said. 

"For Samoa, its capacity building, accessibility to information, networking and opportunities out there that could be explored through opportunities like this – that is simply now knowing about the work of Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Youth Programs that Samoa can tap into for assistance."

Va’agi – who is one of the region's youth leaders who are attending alongside 60 other young leaders from the 56 member states of the Commonwealth – will also participate in a two week program that looks at the purpose of the Commonwealth as well as its history and relevance. 

They were presented with youth leaderships and communications delivered by experts and professionals who are knowledgeable in these areas.

Va’agi told this newspaper that he is honoured to represent Samoa at the international summit, and hopes to bring back solutions that can lead to further engagement with the youth, as well as increase their involvement in decision-making in the country.

“I am in London as the Representative for Samoa National Youth Council and Samoa youths for this Commonwealth Youth Leaders Forum and summit. 

"The forum is where all Commonwealth youth leaders come together to discuss youth development work, the challenges and how their work is done in their respective communities and countries and share best practices on how to advance their work in their spaces.

The country's hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next year in Apia was also a major factor behind Va’agi being invited to participate in the London youth summit.

“Samoa being the host for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM next year, it was part of the plans by the Commonwealth Secretariat that Samoa National Youth Council representative is present so the youth component of CHOGM 2024 is looked into from a youth perspective and ensure its a success.”

The Samoa Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat are yet to confirm a date for the next CHOGM in Samoa next year, though Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa will update Commonwealth Foreign Ministers on Samoa's preparations when they meet in London next week.