Local educator represents the territory at Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, the principal of South Pacific Academy, emphasized the urgency of addressing ocean literacy, particularly for American Samoa, as the sole representative of the territory at the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit held mid-April in Athens, Greece. Out of a global pool of candidates, only 100 leaders were chosen to participate in the summit, and Sabrina was among the fortunate 50 recipients of the award for full funding.

Although she wears the hat of a school administrator, Sabrina's selection was based on her role as the Founder and Executive Director of Finafinau, a platform advocating for environmental education and youth leadership in environmental conservation.

At the summit, Sabrina passionately emphasized the urgency of building a global curriculum to address climate change and enhance environmental literacy. She underscored the importance of collective action and collaboration in tackling pressing environmental challenges.

During her attendance at the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit, Sabrina had the opportunity to meet with US officials, including Jennifer "J.R." Littlejohn, a distinguished career member of the Senior Foreign Service who currently serves as the Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Littlejohn, who previously held the position of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, demonstrated proactive leadership by initiating a meeting with representatives from the North American group. This proactive approach was particularly refreshing, as it deviated from the norm where delegates typically request such meetings. During the meeting, Littlejohn and her team provided a platform for the North American group to share their goals and concerns, underscoring her commitment to engaging with stakeholders and addressing their needs in the realm of ocean conservation and environmental affairs.

Sabrina emphasized the urgency of addressing ocean literacy, particularly for American Samoa, due to the alarming rate of sea level rise. With the sea rising four times faster than the global average in the region, coastal communities like those in American Samoa are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Ocean literacy is essential for understanding and mitigating these threats, empowering communities to adapt and respond effectively to the challenges posed by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and other environmental changes. Sabrina believes that fostering ocean literacy is not only crucial for protecting the natural environment but also for safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of the people of American Samoa.

Amidst luminaries and policymakers, Sabrina found inspiration in the work of her fellow delegates, united by their shared commitment to ocean justice. Rubbing shoulders with renowned figures like John Kerry, former US Secretary of State and founder of the Our Ocean Conference, and Sylvia Earle, celebrated marine biologist and ocean conservation advocate, was an honor for Sabrina. Earle, known for her record-breaking deep-sea expeditions and leadership at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, passionately advocates for ocean conservation and education.

The Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit, in partnership with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, serves as a beacon of hope for the next generation of environmental stewards. Held in conjunction with the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, the summit highlights the importance of empowering youth in addressing critical ocean-related issues. Through education, employability initiatives, and sustainable practices, the summit aimed to equip young leaders like Sabrina with the tools and knowledge needed to safeguard our oceans for future generations.