Latest news with #UNICEFPacific
Scoop
14-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
UNICEF Names Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke As A Pacific Ambassador
Press Release – UNICEF Samoan climate activist & former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacifics Ambassador. In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise Suva, Fiji/Apia, Samoa, 13 May 2025 Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, champions children's rights following a two-day visit to see UNICEF's activities in Samoa Samoan climate activist and former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacific's Ambassador. The appointment, which has been made today at the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, follows a two-day field visit to meet children and their families in Samoa. 'I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF's Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,' said Moemoana. 'I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent. I have met thousands of children across the Pacific in all the beautifully diverse parts of our region and they have been my inspiration.' In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise awareness of children's rights across the Pacific. This includes access to quality and inclusive education; health and nutrition services; water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as well as protection from violence and abuse among other areas. 'Investing in our children means investing in a stronger Pacific. Our Pacific young people need us to be better, to continue being the leaders they deserve. And now, I carry that forward to be a voice for those who are still finding theirs, and to ensure that no child in our Pacific is left unheard, unseen or forgotten. Children are our greatest gift,' she added. 24-year-old Moemoana was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and then later also as Miss Pacific Islands in 2024. She is also a creative and performing arts practitioner and an avid siva afi (fire-knife dancing) performer. Moemoana, who refers to herself as a custodian of Pacific environment, culture, and people, is a dedicated advocate for children and youth with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on marginalized communities. She delivered a speech on climate change during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28. 'We are so excited to welcome Moemoana into the UNICEF family as an ambassador. Such a strong and inspirational role model for our young generation,' said UNICEF Pacific's Representative, Jonathan Veitch. 'Her dedication to preserving cultural values, art, and beliefs will inspire families to weave child rights into their cherished traditions at home – whether through dance, singing, or other unique ways – rooted in the rich heritage of the Pacific.' During her visit to Savai'i Island in Samoa, Moemoana met with children and families as well as health workers and teachers. She learned about the importance of quality health and nutrition services, especially for young children. In the Pacific, despite the good progress made in reducing child mortality over the past decades, not all children grow and develop to their full potential. 'During my time in Savai'i with UNICEF, I witnessed the strength of our communities, where health workers, schools, village leaders and families work together to protect the wellbeing of every child through immunization,' said Moemoana. ' In these remote parts of Samoa, care is rooted in culture, love, relationships, and service. True progress happens when communities lead, supported by partnerships that listen, respect, and empower. I remain committed to standing with our villages to ensure that no child is left behind.' Moemoana joins the current UNICEF Pacific Ambassadors including Pita Taufatofua and Gladys Habu.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
UNICEF Names Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke As A Pacific Ambassador
Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, champions children's rights following a two-day visit to see UNICEF's activities in Samoa Samoan climate activist and former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacific's Ambassador. The appointment, which has been made today at the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, follows a two-day field visit to meet children and their families in Samoa. 'I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF's Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,' said Moemoana. 'I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent. I have met thousands of children across the Pacific in all the beautifully diverse parts of our region and they have been my inspiration.' In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise awareness of children's rights across the Pacific. This includes access to quality and inclusive education; health and nutrition services; water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as well as protection from violence and abuse among other areas. 'Investing in our children means investing in a stronger Pacific. Our Pacific young people need us to be better, to continue being the leaders they deserve. And now, I carry that forward to be a voice for those who are still finding theirs, and to ensure that no child in our Pacific is left unheard, unseen or forgotten. Children are our greatest gift,' she added. 24-year-old Moemoana was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and then later also as Miss Pacific Islands in 2024. She is also a creative and performing arts practitioner and an avid siva afi (fire-knife dancing) performer. Moemoana, who refers to herself as a custodian of Pacific environment, culture, and people, is a dedicated advocate for children and youth with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on marginalized communities. She delivered a speech on climate change during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28. 'We are so excited to welcome Moemoana into the UNICEF family as an ambassador. Such a strong and inspirational role model for our young generation,' said UNICEF Pacific's Representative, Jonathan Veitch."Her dedication to preserving cultural values, art, and beliefs will inspire families to weave child rights into their cherished traditions at home – whether through dance, singing, or other unique ways - rooted in the rich heritage of the Pacific.' During her visit to Savai'i Island in Samoa, Moemoana met with children and families as well as health workers and teachers. She learned about the importance of quality health and nutrition services, especially for young children. In the Pacific, despite the good progress made in reducing child mortality over the past decades, not all children grow and develop to their full potential. 'During my time in Savai'i with UNICEF, I witnessed the strength of our communities, where health workers, schools, village leaders and families work together to protect the wellbeing of every child through immunization,' said Moemoana. ' In these remote parts of Samoa, care is rooted in culture, love, relationships, and service. True progress happens when communities lead, supported by partnerships that listen, respect, and empower. I remain committed to standing with our villages to ensure that no child is left behind.' Moemoana joins the current UNICEF Pacific Ambassadors including Pita Taufatofua and Gladys Habu.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Embracing Pacific Heritage In Early Childhood Development
Press Release – UNICEF Pacific The region will discuss the need for more investment in the culture and traditions that are so rich in the Pacific to drive change and address gaps in ECD. Apia, Samoa, 13 May 2025 – Two years after the 2023 Pacific Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum that took place in Fiji, 15 Pacific Island countries have gathered this week in Apia, Samoa to evaluate the progress on ECD in the past two years, highlight challenges, and share experiences. 'There is no greater calling than to shape the world through the heart of a child. And there is no deeper honour than to do so together — grounded in culture, lifted by purpose, and united by faith,' said the Chief Executive Officer at Samoa's Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Ms. Loau Donina Va'a. 'Samoa is proud to champion early childhood development across our region, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and nurtured from the very beginning.' For children to achieve their full potential, they need quality healthcare and nutrition, protection from abuse and violence, early learning opportunities as well as responsive caregiving. Unfortunately, many disadvantaged children in the region, including those living in poverty, affected by emergencies, on the move, facing discrimination, or with disabilities, miss this window of opportunity for a strong start in life. 'As Minister for Children, I am committed to raising the visibility of children's needs and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive. We must be persistent in our efforts to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential,' said Fiji's Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran. Under the 2025 theme 'Our Children, Our Heritage: Blue Pacific Resilience through ECD Leadership', government ministers and representatives from several sectors, including education, finance, health and social welfare, will participate in cross-country and multi-sectoral dialogue during the three-day forum held from 13 to 15 May. This network is essential for fostering collaboration and to share learning. 'We have come a long way in progressing ECD in the region, and I am excited to see everything that has been achieved by the countries since we last met in 2023,' said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Pacific Representative. 'Embracing a whole of region approach is not only about protecting our young children, but it also means shared support to stop cycles of poverty and under-development undermining the strength and stability of our societies.' The region will discuss the need for more investment in the culture and traditions that are so rich in the Pacific to drive change and address gaps in ECD. For example, massaging babies is a common tradition of love and connection, but this also comes with health benefits. This includes improving digestion, boosting the immune system, enhancing sleep patterns, and strengthening bonds between parents and young children. By strengthening these values, young children will be able to get more opportunities for positive physical growth and brain development. The Forum, hosted by the Government of Samoa, is organized by the Pacific Regional Council for ECD (PRC4ECD) and UNICEF, with the financial support of the Governments of New Zealand and Australia as well as technical support from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. About the PRC4ECD: At the 49th Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru in 2018, Pacific Forum Leaders committed to 'leading a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach at the national level to address NCDs, childhood obesity and early childhood development (ECD)'. In line with this mandate, Pacific countries established the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development (PRC4ECD) to guide and strengthen a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to ECD. The Council, comprised of Ministries of Finance, Education, Health and Social Welfare (or its equivalent), is a unique and high-level multi-sectoral body that fosters a collaborative and coordinated approach across governments, civil society, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders:
