Miss Samoa Feagaimaalii Soti Mapu will join Samoa’s delegation as a youth voice at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York next month.

She was also appointed Youth Ambassador for the upcoming Pacific Youth Ministers Meeting.

The announcement came during a high-level talanoa dialogue hosted by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) with development partners, focusing on youth leadership, prevention, and Samoa’s regional and global advocacy.

MWCSD Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Vaa acknowledged Miss Samoa’s growing influence as a credible youth advocate, particularly in advancing the Pola Puipui Prevention Framework and addressing cyberbullying and online harm.

“In a time where negativity can echo loudly online, your voice carries dignity and restraint,” the CEO said. “When young people choose to refrain from posting negativity, it shows that your advocacy is shaping behaviour and positive change.”

Miss Samoa will join Samoa’s delegation to CSW70 in New York, where the country will host its first side event titled “Resilient Spirit: Portraits of Samoan Women Warriors: Sailigamalo a Tina ma Tamaitai o Samoa.” The event will showcase 30 leaders reflecting Samoa’s work in gender equality, disability inclusion, prevention, and social protection.

Her additional role as Youth Ambassador for the Pacific Youth Ministers Meeting will allow her to represent Pacific young people and elevate youth-led solutions across regional policy discussions.

Miss Samoa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of research-driven advocacy.

“It is time we create one platform where youth voices are heard, supported, and strengthened,” she said. “Change must be grounded in research and evidence so that it is sustainable and meaningful.”