Youth development solutions should begin early within families, through early childhood development and in partnership with young people, said Miss Samoa Feagaimaali'i Soti Mapu.  

She made the remarks at the Samoa Youth Talanoa, held as part of Samoa’s in-country consultation on the Pacific Youth Development Framework II (2026–2035), in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Miss Samoa said youth resilience is not built in adolescence but starts at home, from early childhood.

“Youth development does not begin in our teenage years. It begins at home, with our families, from early childhood. If we want resilient, confident young people, we must invest early and strengthen the family unit,” she said.

As a pioneer member of Samoa’s Cabinet-endorsed Youth Advisory Board since its establishment in 2024, Miss Samoa said her views were shaped by evidence gathered from youth consultations across Samoa and the wider Pacific, including preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Forum.

She said regional consultations continue to highlight common challenges faced by Pacific youth, such as identity erosion, substance abuse, unemployment, climate and water insecurity, and limited opportunities to influence decision-making.

“I am grateful for spaces like this, because genuine collaboration means creating platforms to talanoa, to listen, to co-create and to value the wisdom of our young people,” she said. “Youth want to walk alongside leadership, not be spoken for.”

Miss Samoa stressed that investing in early childhood development, family support systems and cultural grounding is essential to reducing vulnerability later in life.

“A malu i fale e malu i fafo,” she said. “When our children are nurtured and safeguarded within their families and communities, they are better equipped to face the challenges of the wider world.”

The Samoa Youth Talanoa brought together youth leaders, civil society organizations and development partners to contribute to regional discussions shaping the Pacific Youth Development Framework II.

The outcomes from the consultation will help inform policy direction ahead of the Pacific Youth Ministers Meeting, ensuring youth voices remain central to decision-making and action across the Blue Pacific.