By Sanjeshni Kumar, Pacnews
Miss Pacific Islands, Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, has called for Pacific youth voices to be placed at the heart of climate negotiations.
As the region prepares for COP30 and COP31, Ieremia-Allan stressed the power of collective action in addressing loss and damage.
Speaking at the first Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage in Apia this week, she described the gathering as a “safe space” for youth to share, connect, and prepare to lead climate conversations in the coming decades.
"It’s an honour to be here. As Pacific youth, firstly, we’re not lost within this crisis. And secondly, the Pacific should never be underestimated for the power of its collectivity. Making sure that the youth voices are central to our preparations for COP30 and COP31 is really key."
Ieremia-Allan, who has represented Samoa and the Pacific on global stages, said youth bring a unique energy to climate dialogues, one grounded in hope and innovation.
"Youth bring the dreaming aspect, and that’s where innovation is birthed," she said.
"For me, coming out of COP29, it felt almost very discouraging, some of the things coming out. But one thing that made me feel a lot lighter was knowing that these young people behind me that I got to share the experience with were at the forefront of what’s to come. Involving youth makes us excited to dream again, to dream about resolution and ways that we can personalise loss and damage for people to realise the loss that we’re experiencing."
She reflected on how deeply personal stories can make the concept of loss and damage resonate: "Ms Cooper (SPREP Climate Change Resilience Director) shared a specific point this morning, loss and damage is defined by us and by our stories. Personalising it allows that impact to be felt by others. So, we’re going to share a lot of personal stories these next two days, and I’m really excited for it."
On her role as Miss Pacific Islands, Ieremia-Allan said her focus is on supporting and amplifying others.
“Our vulnerability is shared. It's not overused, it's not taken out of context, but within our own context we can share and push each other forward.
"We have experts in their areas. So, for me, as a Miss Pacific Islands, my role is to hold space and to look after others, as well as advocate. But acknowledging that people are better equipped, better resourced, hold more knowledge. I can support them to keep going."
She also acknowledged the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the New Zealand government for making the dialogue possible.
"Without sponsors and champions, we can’t have these conversations. Us starting with prayer today, with fellowship, and getting to know each other is so important," she said.
Her message to fellow youth and advocates was one of encouragement.
"Our advocates and our activists can’t keep going without us encouraging them, without us holding space. So, hold space for them, open up dialogues for them and keep pushing them forward to keep going,” she said.
“It's better when we're not fighting alone and we get to come and have a safe space to share, get to know each other and move forward collectively.”
The Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage brings together young leaders from across the region to share experiences, build solidarity, and prepare to influence global negotiations on climate-induced loss and damage.
The inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage, guided by the theme “Navigating our Future” is held from 7- 8 August, Taumeasina Resort, Samoa. This precedes the Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 to be held from 11-12 August at the same venue in Samoa.
The inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage and the Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 are made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
Hosted by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the dialogues bring together Pacific governments, youths, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector to collectively advance the region’s priorities on Loss and damage.
This story was produced by the Pacific Media Team covering the meetings. Their attendance is made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
For more information, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson [email protected] , SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer, Ms Jessica Rodham [email protected] or Media and Public Relations Officer, Mr Keni Lesa [email protected]