Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is strengthening how it works with young people on climate and environmental priorities through the development of a new Youth Engagement Framework.
In 2025, MNRE requested support from the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP) for a priority role to undertake consultations, advocacy and technical support for the Framework.
Youth Engagement Consultant, Vaito’a Toelupe, was recruited with CFCSP support and saw the assignment as an opportunity to help MNRE strengthen meaningful youth participation across the environment sector.
“I was drawn to the strategic vision of MNRE to elevate youth engagement in environment work, which contributes to Samoa’s aspirations for its young people,” Vaito’a said.
With young people making up 57% of Samoa’s population, MNRE identified the need for a more structured and inclusive approach to engaging them in climate and environmental decision-making. By doing so, their views, priorities and leadership can help shape Samoa’s response to climate change.
A participatory approach to youth engagement
Early in the assignment, a Samoa Environment Youth – National Reference Group (SEY-NRG) was established to support the development and sustainability of the Youth Engagement Framework.
The group brings together young people from across Samoa, including representatives from faith-based organisations, NGOs, the Fa’afafine community and the Deaf Association. It has been designed as a mechanism for young people to advocate, advise, implement, monitor and sustain the Framework, with support and technical guidance from MNRE.
Vaito’a said the diversity of the group was essential because climate policy and action must reflect the communities most affected by climate and environmental change.
“If youth or vulnerable and marginalised communities are not engaged, their priorities and needs will continue to be invisible,” said Vaito’a.
From consultation to validation
In March 2026, the SEY-NRG held a three-day induction workshop. This was followed by a validation workshop in April to progress formalisation of the Framework.
The process has included consultations across Rural Upolu, Urban Upolu, Rural Savaii, Urban Savaii, Manono Islands and Apolima Islands. These consultations have helped ensure the Framework – due to be launched in May 2026 – reflects the voices and experiences of young people across Samoa.
Vaito’a’s work has included relationship development with MNRE’s Climate Change Division and technical divisions, establishment of the reference group, workshop facilitation, mentoring and capacity building. She describes her role as helping to “enable, listen, advocate, inspire and be inspired, and make the journey fun.”
Embedded in culture and context, the Framework’s title is: Tu’utu’u la’au fa’amanuiti Samoa Youth Engagement Framework 2026 – 2029. This title draws on a traditional description of pollination: to place, drop and spread from plant to plant, or flower to flower, by small insects and birds. As a metaphor, the title recognises the important role young people play in protecting and sustaining Samoa’s environment.
I am personally invested in contributing, in any way possible, to building the next generation of Samoan excellence. It is our duty.
Supporting Samoa’s priorities
The Framework will be the first of its kind for Samoa’s environment sector, providing a practical foundation for institutionalising youth engagement within MNRE and supporting more inclusive climate and environmental action.
Vaito’a said the process also demonstrated the commitment of MNRE’s Climate Change Division, despite the challenge of limited staffing and a significant work programme.
“Delays were inevitable, but the teamwork and technical brilliance of the team always prevail,” said Vaito’a.
The Tu’utu’u la’au fa’amanuiti Samoa Youth Engagement Framework 2026 – 2029 will be launched on 22 May 2026.
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Feature image (left to right): Niniwa Roberts, Programme Manager; Leimor Penjeuli, CFCSP Implementation Lead; Elisapeta Areta, Principal Climate Change Officer; Vaito’a Toelupe, Youth Engagement Expert.