Samoan climate activist and former Miss Samoa and Pacific Islands, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, has been officially appointed as UNICEF Pacific’s newest ambassador. 

The announcement was made during the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum on Tuesday, 13 May. 

Moemoana’s appointment follows a recent two-day field visit where she engaged with children and families across Samoa, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing young people in the region. A passionate advocate for climate justice and youth empowerment, Schwenke is expected to use her platform to boost the voices of Pacific children and promote their rights across the region.

In accepting the role, Moemoana expressed deep gratitude and a strong sense of purpose.

 “I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF’s Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,” said Moemoana. 

“I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent. I have met thousands of children across the Pacific in all the beautifully diverse parts of our region and they have been my inspiration.” 

As a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will focus on advocating for the rights and well-being of children across the region. Her efforts will highlight issues including access to quality and inclusive education, health and nutrition services, safe water and sanitation, and protection from violence and abuse

“Investing in our children means investing in a stronger Pacific. Our Pacific young people need us to be better, to continue being the leaders they deserve. And now, I carry that forward to be a voice for those who are still finding theirs, and to ensure that no child in our Pacific is left unheard, unseen or forgotten. Children are our greatest gift,” she added.

At just 24 years old, Moemoana has made significant strides in her advocacy work. She was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and went on to win the title of Miss Pacific Islands in 2024. In addition to her pageant titles, Moemoana is an accomplished siva afi (fire-knife dance) performer and a passionate advocate for the environment, culture, and people of the Pacific. 

A strong advocate for climate action, Schwenke has focused much of her work on the effects of climate change, particularly on marginalised communities in the Pacific. She delivered a speech on the issue at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28, where she highlighted the urgency of addressing climate challenges facing small island nations.

“We are so excited to welcome Moemoana into the UNICEF family as an ambassador. Such a strong and inspirational role model for our young generation,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Representative, Jonathan Veitch. 

"Her dedication to preserving cultural values, art, and beliefs will inspire families to weave child rights into their cherished traditions at home, whether through dance, singing, or other unique ways, rooted in the rich heritage of the Pacific.”

During her visit to Savai’i Island in Samoa, she met with children, families, health workers and teachers. She was learning about the importance of quality health and nutrition services, especially for young children. In the Pacific, despite the good progress made in reducing child mortality over the past decades, not all children grow and develop to their full potential.

“During my time in Savai’i with UNICEF, I witnessed the strength of our communities, where health workers, schools, village leaders and families work together to protect the wellbeing of every child through immunisation,” said Moemoana. 

“In these remote parts of Samoa, care is rooted in culture, love, relationships and service. True progress happens when communities lead, supported by partnerships that listen, respect and empower. I remain committed to standing with our villages to ensure that no child is left behind.”