Samoan Youth Push for Stronger Engagement in Decisions Affecting Their Future

Apia, Samoa – 29 July 2026 – More than 100 young people from across Samoa gathered at Taumeasina Island Resort for the United Nations Common Country Analysis (CCA) Youth Consultation, organized by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, providing insights and recommendations to help shape Samoa’s future development priorities.

Recognizing that young people are critical partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the consultation provided a platform for youth to share their experiences, concerns, aspirations, and solutions for the country’s future.

“Young people are often described as the leaders of tomorrow, but they are leaders today,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Karla Hershey.

“Through their ideas, innovation, and action, they are already shaping their families, communities, and the future of Samoa. Their voices and perspectives must be at the centre of the decisions that affect their lives and our shared future,” she said.

Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted challenges affecting young people, including limited employment opportunities, barriers to education and skills development, mental health concerns, climate change impacts, unequal access to digital technologies, and limited participation in decision-making processes.

A recurring message throughout the consultation was the desire for greater youth inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and communities. As one participant noted:

“They say that we are the future of the country, yet we are not sitting at the table where decisions are made.”

Young people emphasized the importance of investing in quality education and skills development, creating pathways to decent employment, strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation, improving digital access, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and fostering greater opportunities for youth leadership and civic engagement.

The consultation reflected a generation that is informed, engaged, and ready to contribute to national development. Participants stressed that young people should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of development, but as active partners in designing solutions and driving positive change.

The United Nations prioritizes working with young people because their leadership, participation, and innovation are essential to achieving sustainable development and ensuring that no one is left behind through strengthening youth participation and supporting opportunities that enable young people to reach their full potential.

The insights gathered from the consultation will contribute to the broader Common Country Analysis alongside inputs from communities, civil society organizations, development partners, academia, and government stakeholders, helping to inform future UN cooperation and development priorities in Samoa.

The consultation underscored the importance of placing young people at the centre of sustainable development efforts and ensuring their voices help shape a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future for Samoa.