Two aspiring leaders, Rowena Macdonald and Akanisi Tuikaba, have embarked on a journey to Belém, Brazil, to represent the Pacific region and Australia at the United Nations Climate Conference. This opportunity stems from a call for expressions of interest within the Pacific community in South Australia, where both were chosen from numerous applicants.
Macdonald, who carries Samoan heritage, and Tuikaba, who has connections to both Fiji and Adnyamathanha—a community in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia—are participating as part of a collaborative effort between the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia (PICSA) and the Veilomani Project, an organization based in Sydney that focuses on enhancing Pacific youth leadership and climate advocacy.
Tukini Tavui, the Lead Spokesperson for PICSA, emphasized the significance of the partnership rooted in both Pacific and Indigenous leadership, indicating that it symbolizes a collective responsibility in combating 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 remarked.
While in Belém, Macdonald and Tuikaba are set to engage with Indigenous Amazonian leaders, forging connections between the protectors of the Pacific Ocean and those safeguarding the Amazon rainforest. Their discussions will center around youth leadership, community adaptation strategies, and traditional knowledge—all of which are vital for fostering climate resilience.
Tuikaba expressed her pride in presenting her multifaceted cultural heritage on this global 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,” she stated. “The Pacific has always led with courage—and this is our moment to speak for the ocean and the earth together.”
This event marks a pivotal moment for Pacific youth, who are increasingly being recognized for their potential to influence change regarding climate action on the international stage. Their involvement reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of youth in addressing environmental issues—a sentiment echoed in earlier discussions around youth-focused climate negotiator training held in Apia and ongoing regional calls for collaborative efforts in tackling climate challenges.
With a backdrop of compelling regional efforts emphasizing Indigenous knowledge and community resilience, Macdonald and Tuikaba’s attendance at the conference represents a hopeful step toward uniting global voices in the fight against climate change. As they prepare to raise these critical issues, their presence is a reminder of the impact of local actions on global conversations and solutions for a sustainable future.