Pacific Youth must rise up against Climate Change

First Pacific Youth Delegate from NZ calls upon Pacific Youth to rise up against Climate Change

Durban, South Africa, 7 December 2011 - Simon Matāfai is the first Pacific Youth Delegate from New Zealand to attend a United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties. He is currently in Durban, South Africa with the New Zealand Youth Delegation. The New Zealand Youth Delegation is made up of 10 selected youth from around New Zealand who lobby the New Zealand government and world leaders on behalf of New Zealand Youth. Simon was also the first Pacific Youth delegate to attend a United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit that was held in New York last year.

Simon is a firm believer in grassroots movements and youth empowerment. “The Pacific is most vulnerable to Climate Change effects. We as Pacific youth need to fight for our future!”

Simon believes more youth involvement and participation in the climate justice movement is much needed. He endeavors to form a new Pacific Youth Climate Coalition that will enable and empower youth from across the Pacific to engage in Climate Change action, policy lobbying and raising public awareness.

“Climate Change is the greatest threat to the existence of the human race and our environment. The Pacific is already seeing the devastating effects of this global problem; so it is imperative that we act now.”

Simon is also a musician and has been appointed as the New Zealand representative on the Global Youth Music committee for Rio+20 in Brazil next year. He urges all Pacific musicians, sports people, actors/actresses, Church leaders and community leaders to join this effort in addressing Climate Change. “It’s not about you or me. It’s about the next generation; saving tomorrow today!”

“We didn’t cause it; but we will fight it”. Simon hopes to be the future Prime Minister of Samoa. He is currently studying Law, History and Music at the University of Auckland. Simon is a kiwi-born Samoan and is from the villages of Salelologa and Saleaula.

ENDS

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