Samoa has officially launched its Youth Policy 2026–2031 and re-established the Samoa Youth Advisory Committee, placing young people at the centre of the country’s future development.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale-Molio’o launched the policy under the theme “Toe Timata le ‘Upega – Cast the Net Anew.”
She said Samoa’s future must be built for its people, with its people and by its people, with young Samoans playing a central role in shaping national development.
The new policy responds to challenges affecting young people, including unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health pressures, violence, climate change, limited opportunities and concerns that youth voices are not always heard.
It supports government priorities aimed at strengthening families, empowering villages and districts, creating employment and business opportunities, protecting children and young people and building safer and healthier communities.
The Acting Prime Minister said youth development begins in families, is strengthened in villages, guided by churches, supported by schools and advanced through employment and enterprise.
“Our youth are not waiting at the back of the canoe. They are already rowing with us,” she said.
She encouraged young people to take leadership roles within their families, villages, churches, schools, workplaces and communities rather than waiting for opportunities to be created for them.
The Samoa Youth Advisory Committee will provide a national platform for young people to raise issues and represent the interests of youth from villages, churches, schools, districts and communities.
Committee members were reminded that their responsibility extended beyond attending meetings and included carrying the voices, concerns and aspirations of young Samoans into national discussions and decision-making.
The Acting Prime Minister called on members to speak with courage, listen with humility and serve with respect, particularly on behalf of young people who were not present but whose interests they represented.
She also acknowledged the Minister of Family and Social Affairs, government ministries, development partners and those involved in preparing the policy. The Government of Australia was recognised for supporting the initiative.
Mulipola said investing in young people was also an investment in families, villages and Samoa’s wider future.
“When our youth rise, Samoa rises,” she said.
The Samoa Youth Policy 2026–2031 will guide government agencies, communities, churches, schools and partner organisations in coordinating programmes and opportunities for young people over the next five years.
This article is based on a media release and official speech issued by the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
