Miss Samoa Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan joined a distinguished group of Samoan activists and youth leaders at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan contributing to critical discussions on ocean conservation, youth leadership, and Indigenous rights. 

Her attendance at the climate summit underscores the growing importance of Pacific youth voices in global environmental conversations and the protection of their natural resources.

Litara participated in a significant panel discussion at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, focused on the theme of "Strengthening Ocean Coordination: The Role of the Pacific Ocean Alliance – Blue Pacific." 

The Pacific Ocean Alliance, facilitated by the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing ocean governance and regional cooperation to safeguard the Pacific Ocean, a vital resource for island nations. 

The panel, which included high-level experts such as Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and Dr Pio Manoa, Deputy Director General of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), highlighted the urgent need for collaborative ocean policy coordination across the Pacific. 

The Pacific Ocean Alliance is expected to support national ocean governance processes, facilitate cooperation for managing high seas, and ensure effective implementation of policies that protect the ocean and its ecosystems.

In addition to her work on ocean conservation, Litara also engaged in powerful discussions surrounding "Indigenous rights" at the summit. As a young Indigenous leader, she expressed admiration for the advocacy taking place in Indigenous roundtables, which focused on uplifting and empowering Indigenous peoples worldwide. 

Reflecting on her experiences, Litara shared her highlights from the discussions, underscoring the significance of Indigenous leadership in shaping global environmental policy.

In her reflections, Litara expressed her gratitude for the opportunities to connect with Indigenous leaders from around the world, noting that "success for one Indigenous person or group is a win for all Indigenous peoples." 

Her participation at COP29 represents a powerful commitment to strengthening the global voice of Pacific youth and Indigenous communities in shaping climate policies that directly affect their lives and environments.

"From Azerbaijan, I send my love to all back home in Samoa and to those in Aotearoa protesting for the rights of "Tangata whenua" Litara shared in a heartfelt message. "Toitū te Tiriti!"—a call to honour and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

As COP29 progresses, Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan continues to stand as a strong advocate for the Pacific's future, bringing attention to the region's unique challenges and the importance of global solidarity in addressing climate change. Her presence at the summit highlights the vital role that Indigenous youth leaders play in advocating for policies that will safeguard the oceans, protect cultures, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.