Samoa’s young people had a strong voice at the United Nations last week when Miss Samoa, Iliganoa Feagaimaalii Soti, called for more support for youth from small island nations, highlighting that they still faced injustice in their homes.

Speaking at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), Feagaimaalii asked the international community to do more to help young people in Small Island Developing States.

“How can we make the United Nations work better to support and empower youth in Small Island Developing States?” she asked.

Feagaimaalii shared the experiences of young Pacific women, speaking about challenges in gender equality, justice, and climate change.

She said many women and girls in rural areas still face problems accessing justice. She highlighted work with Samoa’s Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration to improve legal support and make sure no one is left behind.

Feagaimaalii also raised other issues, like the need for climate action in island communities and the growing risks of cyberbullying for young women online.

She talked with Loau Donina Nina Vaʻa, CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, about Polā Puipui, Samoa’s program to prevent and respond to violence. Feagaimaalii said building safe and respectful communities starts early, with families and early childhood education teaching care and respect.

“For me, leadership is not just about speaking at big events,” she said. “It starts with the small choices we make at home, school, and in our villages.”

Her message is, "even small islands have powerful voices."

Feagaimaalii will continue the conversation on Thursday at a panel called Resilient Spirit: Sailigamalo a Tina ma Tamaitai o Samoa at CSW70. The panel will also feature Dr Fiona Hukula from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.