The Australian High Commission has acknowledged the influential role the Miss Samoa platform continues to play in empowering young tamaitai Samoa by enabling them to amplify their voices and serve their communities.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck hosted this year’s Miss Samoa contestants at her residence at Tiapapata for a knowledge-sharing luncheon last week, according to a press release issued by the AHC.

The luncheon was inspired by Onomea Productions’ strong mentorship approach to the Miss Samoa platform, which promotes the leadership potential of young Samoan women including through providing learning and networking opportunities with established female leaders.

Ms Luck was joined by her colleagues and former Miss Samoa titleholders Papalii Alexandra Iakopo-Ah Tong, Gender & Disability Program Manager at the Australian High Commission, and Taii Cheri Robinson Moors, Team Leader for the Tautua – Human Development for All Program.

She shared her experiences in international diplomacy and relations, and the power of agency no matter a country’s size. Papalii delivered a presentation on gender equality, disability and social inclusion, while Taii focused on skills in partnership building.

The luncheon was also an opportunity to hear from the contestants on the areas they are passionate about including the critical issues they would like to advocate for.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Ms Luck announced the Australian High Commission’s collaboration with the Miss Samoa platform with an in-kind support grant of up to SAT$10,000. It is funded through the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) and will enable the next winner of Miss Samoa to undertake a community project in line with existing DAP guidelines.

 Ms Luck encouraged the contestants to invest in Samoa’s development, a responsibility shared by all.­

“Our support for the Miss Samoa platform underscores our broader commitment to empowering young people to be change-makers," said Ms. Luck. "When we recognise and cultivate the leadership potential of today’s youth, we ensure an engaged and vibrant future leadership cohort who will build tomorrow’s thriving societies."

The holder of the current Miss Samoa title, Haylani Kuruppu thanked the AHC and the High Commissioner following her announcement of the SAT$10,000 grant. 

“Young tamaitai Samoa carry within them a boundless energy and passion to effect meaningful change. On behalf of the Miss Samoa platform, I offer my warmest thank you to the Australian High Commission for providing this support, and for recognising the potential of young Samoan women to drive positive and meaningful change in their communities."