Australia's Youth Climate Champion connects with Samoan climate leaders

July 21, 2026

Large group of people posing on a wooden deck by the water at sunset. — COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Sally Higgins from Australia met with Samoan climate leaders in Apia last week

Photo: UNDP Samoa

COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Sally Higgins has concluded a two-day visit to Samoa, meeting young climate leaders and visiting community-led initiatives that are strengthening climate resilience across the country.

Ms Higgins, a young farmer from regional Australia, is championing youth voices in climate discussions and promote climate leadership, education and collaboration among the next generation of climate advocates and changemakers.

During her visit, Ms. Higgins participated in a Youth Talanoa organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA), and joined a networking event hosted by the Australian High Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These events brought together youth climate advocates, young professionals and environmental leaders to discuss the challenges, priorities and opportunities facing young people.

Diverse adults seated in a circle in a bright room, engaged in a community discussion.

Group of people in green shirts posing outdoors on a grassy field with palm trees and a sign.

Two women smiling on a sandy beach with thatched huts and palm trees.

"It has been a privilege to meet so many inspiring young people and community leaders in Samoa who are already driving climate action in their communities," Ms Higgins said.

"As we look ahead to the Pacific Pre-COP and COP31, it is vital that Pacific voices, experiences and solutions are reflected in the global climate conversation. The ideas, experiences and leadership I encountered in Samoa demonstrate the important contribution Pacific communities are making to climate action and resilience."

Ms Higgins visited Namua Island, where she met young community members involved in an innovative e-boat project, part of UNDP Pacific Green Transformation Initiative, supporting sustainable transport and clean energy solutions, while creating opportunities for local youth.