BROWN GIRL WOKE HOSTS THE DUCHESS OF YORK: A CATALYST FOR YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION
Distinguished guest, Her Grace, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. (Photo: Lars Gustaf Bell/ Eyespy Radio Samoa)
In a picturesque setting on Taumeasina Island Resort, an intimate gathering took place on Friday, March 8th, where Brown Girl Woke (BGW) hosted an assembly of Youth Climate Leaders alongside a distinguished guest, Her Grace, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
The event, orchestrated by BGW, aimed to provide a platform for Samoa's young leaders to engage in discussions concerning climate issues, with the Duchess of York lending her support and expertise to foster a deeper understanding of global and regional climate challenges.
The presence of Her Grace, known for her commitment to youth and climate causes, underscored the significance of the occasion. As the event commenced, Yvette Alaalatoa Griffiths, BGW Program Manager, and Maluseu Doris Tulifau, BGW founder, set the stage, welcoming attendees to an evening of impactful dialogue. Jocelynette Tafisi Leilua, a youth leader within BGW, delivered an inspiring opening speech, setting the tone for the discussions to follow.
Participants engaged in a talanoa, a traditional Pacific conversation, guided by a thought-provoking prompt: "If the world granted my islands one wish in my lifetime, mine would be:" This prompt sparked a diverse array of responses, highlighting pressing issues such as disability accessibility, mental health advocacy, climate change, indigenous knowledge preservation, SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics) rights, arts and education support, and community funding challenges.
The Duchess of York, in her opening remarks, expressed her delight at the diverse and inclusive audience, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity regardless of race, creed, or gender, particularly on International Women's Day. Her Grace reiterated her commitment to being a bridge between generations, striving to amplify the voices of young people and ensure their perspectives are heard and valued.
Reflecting on her role, the Duchess affirmed her dedication to supporting the wishes voiced during the talanoa session. She pledged to leverage her network and connections to link attendees with relevant contacts and foundations capable of advancing their causes—a testament to her longstanding commitment to philanthropy and advocacy.
The event garnered praise from participants, including youth leaders from the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Youth Council, who lauded its success in facilitating meaningful dialogue and action-oriented discussions. Several young leaders were subsequently recruited for an upcoming meeting hosted by Samoa on October 21st, further cementing the event's impact on fostering youth engagement in climate initiatives.
With the talanoa session drawing to a close, attendees concluded the evening with a serving of afternoon tea—a moment of camaraderie and reflection following an enriching exchange of ideas.
Noteworthy organizations and youth representatives in attendance included:
- The Alofa Initiative
- 350 Pacific Climate Warriors Samoa
- The National University of Samoa
- The National University of Samoa Student Association
- Peer 2 Peer Initiative
- Samoa Conservation Society
- Tiapapata Trust
- Brown Girl Woke
- Samoa Faafafine Association
- Samoa Red Cross
- Global Shapers Apia Hub
- Pacifica Inc.
- Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA)
- Samoa Meteorology
- UNDP
- EyeSpy Radio
- Young Solwana
The convergence of diverse voices and stakeholders at this event underscores the power of collaboration and collective action in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. As Samoa and the global community continue their efforts to combat climate change, initiatives like the gathering hosted by Brown Girl Woke serve as catalysts for youth empowerment and meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.