Cook Islands has welcomed the new Pacific Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund, as announced this week.

Minister for Health, Agriculture, Superannuation and Internal Affairs Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown says former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke has God-given talents that makes her a daughter of the Pacific.

Toki-Brown, who attended the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum in Apia, Samoa, this week, witnessed the announcement of Moemoana as the UNICEF Pacific Ambassador.

“Ms. Moemoana is the perfect Pacific Ambassador for UNICEF. Her humble and inspiring nature, as well as her God-given talents make her a daughter of the Pacific and a friend for every child,” Toki-Brown said.

The United Nations Children’s Fund is a UN agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide, especially in the most challenging circumstances.

In a statement, UNICEF announced the Samoan climate activist as its Pacific’s Ambassador at the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, which followed a two-day field visit to meet children and their families in Samoa. 

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.   

“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,” Moemoana said.

“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.”  

The 24-year-old Moemoana was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 followed by the Miss Pacific Islands title 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 the Pacific environment, culture, and people, is a dedicated advocate for children and youth with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on marginalised communities. She delivered a speech on climate change during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28. 

UNICEF Pacific’s Representative, Jonathan Veitch said: “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.”

“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.” 

• Losirene Lacanivalu/UNICEF