Apia, Samoa – 22 July 2026 – More than 100 young people from across Samoa gathered at Taumeasina Island Resort for the United Nations Common Country Analysis Youth Consultation, organised by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, providing insights and recommendations to help shape Samoa’s future development priorities.
Recognising that young people are critical partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the consultation provided a platform for youth to share their experiences, concerns, aspirations and solutions for the country’s future.
“Young people are often described as the leaders of tomorrow, but they are leaders today. Through their ideas, innovation and action, they are already shaping their families, communities and the future of Samoa. Their voices and perspectives must be at the centre of the decisions that affect their lives and our shared future,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator Karla Hershey.
Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted challenges affecting young people, including limited employment opportunities, barriers to education and skills development, mental health concerns, climate change impacts, unequal access to digital technologies and limited participation in decision-making processes.
A recurring message throughout the consultation was the desire for greater youth inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and communities. As one participant noted:
“They say that we are the future of the country, yet we are not sitting at the table where decisions are made.”
While acknowledging these challenges, participants also articulated a clear vision for the future. Young people emphasised the importance of investing in quality education and skills development, creating pathways to decent employment, strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation, improving digital access, supporting mental health and wellbeing and fostering greater opportunities for youth leadership and civic engagement.
The consultation reflected a generation that is informed, engaged and ready to contribute to national development. Participants stressed that young people should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of development, but as active partners in designing solutions and driving positive change.
The United Nations prioritises working with young people because their leadership, participation and innovation are essential to achieving sustainable development and ensuring that no one is left behind. Through its advocacy, convening and coordination roles, the UN remains committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening youth participation and supporting opportunities that enable young people to reach their full potential.
The insights gathered from the consultation will contribute to the broader Common Country Analysis alongside inputs from communities, civil society organisations, development partners, academia and government stakeholders, helping to inform future UN cooperation and development priorities in Samoa.
The consultation underscored the importance of placing young people at the centre of sustainable development efforts and ensuring their voices help shape a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future for Samoa.
About the United Nations in Samoa
The United Nations in Samoa is led by Resident Coordinator Karla Hershey and comprises 22 resident and non-resident UN agencies under the Samoa Multi-Country Office.
The Resident Coordinator Office supports the Resident Coordinator in leading and coordinating the UN development system in Samoa, fostering strategic partnerships, policy coherence and collective action across UN agencies to maximise impact and advance national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN works closely with governments, civil society, the private sector and development partners to support national priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient development across the region.
