Baha’i Faith honours the legacy of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 April 2026: One of the highlights of the Baha’i Faith Pacific Regional Institutional Meeting (PRIM) currently hosted in Samoa, is honouring the legacy of the late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II.

According to the Baha’i Faiths blog, Malietoa was the first sovereign leader in the world to embrace the Baha’i Faith, drawing international attention to the religion’s presence in the Pacific region.

Malietoa Tanumafili II was Samoa’s longest serving Head of State from the country’s independence in 1962 until his passing in 2007 aged 94.

He was a revered leader known for his humility, stabilizing influence, and as one of the world’s longest-serving, eldest national leaders.

His affiliation with the Faith remains a source of inspiration and pride for the local and regional Baha’i community.

In honour of his legacy, participants from across the Pacific gathered to pay their respects at Malietoa’s tomb at Mulinu’u.

Baha’i members at the late Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II tomb at Mulinu’u.

The occasion included a moment of silent prayer and reflection, allowing friends and followers to connect spiritually and honour his enduring influence.

The visit underscored the deep reverence held for the late Head of State and his role in fostering religious harmony and community unity in Samoa.

Representative from the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa, American Samoa, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and a representative of the International Teaching Centre in Israel in front of the Bahai Temple, Tiapapata.

Strengthening spiritual principles  
Strengthening spiritual principles among member of the Baha’i faith brought representatives from 12 Pacific Islands to Samoa as part of the three day Pacific Regional Institutional Meeting (PRIM) conference.

About 170 participants are sharing skills, experiences and knowledge underscoring the regional and international importance of this assembly.

The PRIM aims to foster dialogue among Baha’i friends and communities across the Pacific, focusing on institutional development and regional capacity building and sought to strengthen shared spiritual principles and collaborative efforts towards common goals and building unity and growth within the Baha’i community.

As the region continues to evolve, the gathering served as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and faith that unites Pacific Baha’is in their pursuit of shared goals and spiritual progress.