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Young Samoan climate activist recognized

Brianna Fruean
Source: RNZ Pacific

Apia, SAMOA — A young climate change activist from Samoa, Brianna Fruean, is the recipient of the Oceania Global Citizen Prize's Award.

The award recognises activists across the world whose efforts focus on ending extreme poverty and achieving the United Nations' Global Goals.

Ms Fruean is being recognised for her work leading grassroots community projects for climate justice, and her commitment to bring small island representation and young Pacific voices to the forefront of global climate conversations.

Brianna has been a climate champion in the Pacific since the age of 11, when she became a founding member of 350.org Samoa.

"Through her work as the youth representative on the Pacific Climate Warriors Council of Elders, Brianna has consistently fought for the future of vulnerable Pacific island states in the face of the climate crisis," said the organisation.

She says she's not special for receiving the award and has been lucky to be supported by her family and community, and is encouraging other young people in the region to know the importance of their voice.

Fruean said "historically climate activists haven't won the Global Citizen Award. So even as just a climate activist, it's great to see that this work has been highlighted and therefore, we know that it is important or we know that it should be seen as important by everyone else."