FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 August, 2025
350.org Pacific Climate Warrior joins UN advisory group
Apia, Samoa – Pacific Climate Warrior and 350.org Samoa Coordinator, Okalani Mariner has been appointed to the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. The group of 14 young climate leaders provides the UNSG with practical, outcome-oriented advice and diverse perspectives from the global youth climate movement to drive action on climate policy.
Okalani has led 350.org Samoa in their mission to address frontline impacts of the climate crisis while advocating for climate justice through storytelling, community organizing, and advocacy at regional and global levels. She is an artist, poet, environmental activist, and social entrepreneur passionate about amplifying Pacific voices and driving climate justice. Okalani is also the co-founder of OneLook Studio, Samoa’s first co-working and creative hub. In the Third Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, she is joined by Indigenous activist Charitie Ropati, of Yup’ik/Samoan descent, as the two youth leaders of Pacific heritage appointed.
The 350.org Pacific Climate Warrior network is extremely proud of Okalani and believes the insight of young people on the frontlines of the climate crisis is crucial in charting a way towards a safe and livable planet. She joins Ernest Gibson, former 350.org Fiji Coordinator, as the second 350.org Pacific Climate Warrior appointed to the UNSG’s Youth Advisory Group.
Okalani Mariner, 350.org Samoa Coordinator and new appointee to the UNSG Youth Advisory Group says,
“I witness the impacts on my island every day and feel a responsibility to ensure our challenges and solutions are heard. This role gives me the opportunity to advocate for our future and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.”
George Nacewa, 350.org Pacific Organizer says,
“We are so incredibly proud to see Okalani’s powerful leadership and dedication recognised at a global level. Her appointment to the UN Youth Advisory Group is a huge win for all Pacific Climate Warriors. It’s a testament to the fact that young, Indigenous voices from our islands are essential in the global fight for climate justice.
This announcement comes at a critical moment, marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement and a year when all countries must submit new national climate plans aligned with the 1.5°C target. Okalani is currently part of a cohort of young Pacific Islanders that 350.org is training for our upcoming Draw the Line mobilisations scheduled for September 19-21st. It’s young people like Okalani who are leading the way and reminding the world that our resilience and our stories are our greatest strengths in holding leaders to account.”
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