Australian High Commission supports the Miss Samoa Platform

Apia, Samoa – 01 September 2023 – The Australian High Commission acknowledges the influential role the Miss Samoa platform continues to play in empowering young tama’ita’i Samoa, providing them with a platform to amplify their voices and serve their communities.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, was pleased to host this year’s Miss Samoa contestants at her residence at Tiapapata for a knowledge-sharing luncheon.

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 Tai’i Cheri Robinson Moors, Team Leader for the Tautua – Human Development for All Program.

Ms Luck 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 Tai’i focused on skills in partnership building.

Sharing with the contestants are High Commissioner, Emily Luck, former Miss Samoa title holders – Papalii Alexandra Iakopo-Ah Tong, Gender & Disability Program Manager at the Australian High Commission, and Tai’i Cheri Robinson Moors, Team Leader for the Tautua – Human Development for All Program.

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 was pleased to announce the Australian High Commission’s collaboration with the Miss Samoa platform with an in-kind support grant of up to WST$10,000. The grant 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.

The Miss Samoa contestants with the Australian High Commission staff.

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.  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,” said Ms Luck.

“Young tama’ita’i 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,” said Miss Samoa Haylani Kuruppu.