Miss Pacific Climate Warrior Brianna Fruean believes that addressing climate change is addressing the cost of living because they are interlinked.

Brianna aspires to use the Miss Samoa platform to champion a vision of inclusive and transformative change for Samoa. 

Her journey from a passionate climate activist to a contestant reflects a deep dedication to addressing environmental and social issues with compassion and insight.

Brianna's experience as a climate activist has profoundly shaped her approach to the Miss Samoa platform. 

She reveals, "Something that I’ve learned from my activism journey is that we never know it all," she said.   

"There’s always more to learn and more people to learn from. Every space I’ve been in over the past few days—whether it was the tourism office or the Australian High Commission's Office and S.P.R.E.P., I've been asking so many questions and I just want to learn, not only from them but from my fellow sisters. 

"I see this as a privilege and want to absorb as much knowledge as I can."

This mindset of continuous learning and curiosity is evident in her interactions with other contestants. Brianna reflects on her experiences, "I’ve learned a lot about the diaspora experience in the US from the beautiful women who have come from there. It’s fascinating to understand how our community there are organised and how they function, and I hope to extend my climate activism efforts to the diaspora community at some point."

While Brianna is known for her serious approach to climate issues, she has a vibrant personality. 

"My close friends and family know that I love to 'kala ula' (make jokes). 

"While climate change is a serious topic and often associated with academic and political discourse, I also enjoy laughing and having a good time. It’s been a joy to share laughter with the other contestants and enjoy our time together," she shares with a warm smile.

Brianna’s platform extends beyond environmental advocacy. 

She is particularly passionate about the impact of climate change on women and addressing broader social issues exacerbated by climate crises. 

"Climate change affects women in many profound ways," she explains. "But it also magnifies existing social issues. I’m committed to addressing these challenges and advocating for all women in Samoa. We must remember that being a Miss Samoa means representing every woman in our community, not just those who share our platform.

:Love and respect aren’t just for the good times. They’re also about addressing the tough issues and embracing our ugly sides. We have issues like high domestic violence rates and gaps in support systems. There are global challenges. But with our platform, we have a responsibility to address them openly and advocate for every woman’s rights."

If crowned Miss Samoa, Brianna plans to simplify her climate change message for broader understanding.

"I would simplify my message of climate change down to it being purely a broken 'va'," she said. 

"You know, there is a 'va' between human to human, and there's a 'va' between us and the environment. 

"Climate change, in its simplest form, is the broken 'va' between us and the environment. And we know how to mend this 'va'. We know how to heal it. 

"All the answers for us to solve the climate crisis are within us. That's why I also have the opinion that climate education should go beyond science and social science. It should also sit within our Samoan classes because it will be our Samoan classes that give us the solution of how to mend this bar.

Brianna acknowledges the pressing concerns of today’s Samoans, particularly the high cost of living. 

"I want to acknowledge that, in everyone's life there's an impending wave, right? A wave that's about to hit us. 

"For a lot of us, we can't think about cyclone season, because we're thinking about tomorrow and trying to put the food on the table. 

"So I want to acknowledge that the cost of living crisis is very much a real crisis. And I feel like we can't negate climate change because that will only make it worse. Let's say that we have a cyclone right now. You know the already existing struggle. 

"You have to get bread, to sow your crops, to go and fish. You know that won't get any easier with climate change. 

"To address climate change is to also address the cost of living because they're interlinked. They're the same in a lot of ways. 

"So I would tell people, don't be afraid to say that climate change isn't a pressing issue for you. Your pressing issue is your truth, and let that be your truth. You know you can work on your issue as I work on ours.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Brianna hopes to emerge from the Miss Samoa experience with newfound strength and resilience. 

"I want to take away the knowledge I've gained and the courage to face challenges head-on. Speaking in front of my people is much scarier than addressing world leaders. I don't mind if overseas people or people who are not my people say things about me. But it's different when I address my people because what they say matters to me. 

"So I hope to leave this experience feeling stronger and more empowered."

As a matai, Brianna values the traditional Samoan concept of ‘talanoa’—open dialogue. She encourages young people to find supportive spaces where they can express their concerns and seek guidance. 

"I urge youth to find safe people in their lives and engage in open conversations. The term ‘talanoa’ means to open and unravel knots in your life. Don’t be afraid to share your burdens with those who want the best for you."