A young Samoan Chief, who recently graduated as a Fellow of the Office of President of the General Fellowship Programme, has dedicated his success to his late parents.

Seve Gerard Tuii-Anapu – who joined the Office of the President of the General Assembly this year from Samoa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he worked as a senior foreign service officer in the International Relations Division – travelled to New York to undertake the fellowship. 

Speaking at the Fellows graduation last week, Seve who also holds the Asiata title, said the experience was a "game-changer" and a year of transformation for him. The father-of-two also cited a famous Samoan proverb, "o le ala ile pule o le Tautua" (the pathway to leadership is through service) to mark the occasion. 

The graduation ceremony was attended by the President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, President-elect of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, Marco Suazo and the Head of UNITAR New York and members of the General Assembly and participants from different countries. 

"The PGA Youth Fellowship programme offers a unique and special experience to learn about the work of the PGA and the UN system, and to work in a diverse office on diverse issues to equip us to become worthy chiefs, whilst also making friends and networks to last beyond 2030," Seve said. "In the past 7 months, I have had the opportunity to work on issues related to sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian affairs, communications and media, science, and more.

"Each team and their respective work gave me a different perspective of just how diverse the issues are, but also just how mind-boggling the UN system can be on this side of the aisle. Furthermore, it broadened my knowledge of the UN system and the multi-faceted world issues we face.

"Therefore, I consider this experience one of the best experiences thus far in my life’s journey as it has reminded me that I am still young and that I should be doing more for youth engagement and life in general. Also, it has given me an opportunity to work under one of the founding fathers of the Sustainable Development Goals."

Seve added that the United Nations Fellowship also gave him the opportunity to be part of the first-ever water conference in 40 years. 

"It gave us an opportunity to contribute to the upcoming SDG Summit, the Summit of the Future, future generations, the three health processes, CSO engagement, youth engagement, and the use of science to ensure we have the right data for sustainable policies and strategies, and so much more."

Seve then reflected on the last seven months noting with appreciation the memories made, the friendship created, the knowledge gained and the connections they have built over the last couple of months. 

He also acknowledged the President's leadership and enthusiasm for change as well as the support of the Samoa Government, Samoa's Ambassador and mission colleagues for their support and guidance. 

"To my dear Fellows, my brothers and sisters, thank you for your friendship and support throughout the year, we came together as strangers and are leaving as family. I am certain our bond and network will last for as long as we shall live.

"Lastly, I dedicate this achievement to my late parents whose success and who I am, is a credit to their hard work and dedication (it is also my mother’s birthday today so happy birthday in heaven mum – I hope you are both proud). 

"To my wife and children, thank you for the support and sacrifices made for me to be here! This has truly been an amazing experience and I hope that when I become a chief like you, Mr. President, I will remember to pay it forward to other interns and Fellows we will work with as you have with us.

"Excellencies, I leave you with a prayer and a hope that through our work, we continue striving to achieve “solutions through solidarity, sustainability and science”.

Seve has worked with Samoa's M.F.A.T. for five years. His previous work includes being the communications officer for the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office under the GCF project in Samoa. In this role, he was responsible for the visibility of the work the UN was doing in Samoa and the impact it had on her people. 

He also served as a UN Volunteer in the role of Project Coordinator for the Samoa Faafafine Association under the UNDP Global Fund. His role helped implement projects ensuring transgender people are not marginalized even further and received the relevant care with regards to STDs and HIV/Aids. 

Seve was also part of the UN Nippon Fellowship hosted by the Department of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (DOALOS) which enhanced his knowledge of UNCLOS and Ocean Affairs. He also does community and voluntary work where he is now the President of the Samoa Family Health Association that deals with sexual and reproductive health and rights, where he is an advocate in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls. He is also a part of the Samoa Touch Rugby Association which help build leadership skills for the youth and promote sport in Samoa and a President for his local SCOPA Touch Club.

He is a village chief and an active member of his church congregation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts specialising in international relations and behavioural studies from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. 

The President of the General Assembly Fellowship Programme aims to promote youth engagement in multilateralism and support the next generation of diplomats. The Fellowship brings to New York a small group of young diplomats and civil servants from developing countries, particularly from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while also ensuring geographical representation and gender balance.