Rowena Macdonald and Akanisi Tuikaba, two emerging leaders, are traveling to Belém, Brazil, to advocate for the Pacific region and Australia at the United Nations Climate Conference. Their selection came as a result of a call for expressions of interest within the South Australian Pacific community, where they stood out among numerous candidates.
Macdonald, who has Samoan roots, and Tuikaba, connected to both Fiji and the Adnyamathanha people of South Australia, are part of a joint initiative by the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia (PICSA) and the Sydney-based Veilomani Project. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing youth leadership and climate advocacy within the Pacific community.
Tukini Tavui, the Lead Spokesperson for PICSA, underscored the importance of their partnership, which combines both Pacific and Indigenous leadership. He noted that it symbolizes a shared responsibility in addressing climate change. “It highlights the shared responsibility and wisdom of one of the world’s oldest living cultures and the ocean nations most affected by climate change,” he stated.
During their time in Belém, Macdonald and Tuikaba will interact with Indigenous leaders from the Amazon, aiming to create connections between those who protect the Pacific Ocean and those who guard the Amazon rainforest. Their discussions will focus on youth leadership, community adaptation strategies, and the integration of traditional knowledge, essential for fostering resilience against climate change.
Tuikaba conveyed her pride in representing her diverse cultural background on such an influential platform. “From the red earth of Adnyamathanha country of the Flinders Ranges to the green valleys of Namosi (Fiji), my story is one of connection, identity, and responsibility. The Pacific has always led with courage—and this is our moment to speak for the ocean and the earth together,” she remarked.
This event is a crucial opportunity for Pacific youth, showcasing their increasing recognition as agents of change in international climate action. Their participation emphasizes the vital role young leaders play in addressing environmental challenges. This aligns with previous initiatives, such as youth-focused climate negotiator training held in Apia and ongoing regional calls for collaborative climate action.
With a strong emphasis on Indigenous knowledge and community resilience underpinning the conference, Macdonald and Tuikaba’s involvement signifies a hopeful move toward converging global voices to combat climate change. As they prepare to highlight these pressing issues, their participation serves as a poignant reminder of how local initiatives can shape broader global discussions and drive solutions towards a sustainable future.