UN Small Island Developing States

Conference

1 - 4 September 2014

The Third UN Small Island Developing States Conference is being held in Apia, Samoa, from 1 - 4 September 2014. This is the first time the conference will have been held in the Pacific.

The conference will bring together governments and civil society to address issues which affect small island states uniquely, from economic development to sanitation, biodiversity, social development (including women and youth), waste management, climate change and energy.

Delegates will also attend a youth pre-conference on 28 August, allowing them to meet and network with young people from around the world and discuss their first-hand experiences.

Read about last year's delegations in their blog posts and on Twitter!

Head Delegate

HENRIETTA MCNEILL
Henrietta is deeply passionate about youth and development issues, having grown up in Samoa and Tokelau. She wrote theses on development and SIDS in both her Honours and Masters degrees. She has had a range of international diplomatic experiences, from working in diplomatic missions, to the European Parliament and representing New Zealand as a Y20 delegate, where she championed sustainable development and disaster management for SIDS. Henrietta is currently pursuing a policy analysis role to better her skills and work in international development policy in the future.

Delegates

ELEANOR GREENEleanor is a first year university student studying a BA majoring in History and Political Science at Victoria University.  She loves comic books, theatre and travelling the world.  She's really excited about the SIDS conferen… — **ELEANOR GREEN**
Eleanor is a first year university student studying a BA majoring in History and Political Science at Victoria University. She loves comic books, theatre and travelling the world. She's really excited about the SIDS conference and the issues it's going to address. When she's not reading Plutarch or Waltz, she can be found drinking tea or educating her flatmates on female representation in the media.

SAM FELLOWSSam is currently a Solicitor at Simpson Grierson.  In his spare time he referees rugby and helps out in the community where he can.  He is passionate about ensuring people have access to health services and education in order to… — **SAM FELLOWS**
Sam is currently a Solicitor at Simpson Grierson. In his spare time he referees rugby and helps out in the community where he can. He is passionate about ensuring people have access to health services and education in order to give themselves the best chance possible to live a happy rewarding life. Sam completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Sport and Leisure at the University of Waikato. He will graduate with his Masters of Sport and Leisure Studies in October. His thesis focused on health and physical education programmes in New Zealand primary schools.

RIPEKA REIRIRipeka is a Year 13 student at Westland High School in Hokitika.  Next year, she hopes to study Law and International Relations at Victoria University.  She believes youth are the leaders of today and should take the opportunit… — **RIPEKA REIRI**
Ripeka is a Year 13 student at Westland High School in Hokitika. Next year, she hopes to study Law and International Relations at Victoria University. She believes youth are the leaders of today and should take the opportunity to go to conferences like these when offered. Being surrounded by like-minded youth is an experience she feels youth take away and cherish forever.

SAM JUDDSam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sustainable Coastlines Charitable Trust, which runs capacity building programmes teaching people how to motivate others to look after their waterways and coastlines.  Their events have seen over 35,000 p… — **SAM JUDD**
Sam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sustainable Coastlines Charitable Trust, which runs capacity building programmes teaching people how to motivate others to look after their waterways and coastlines. Their events have seen over 35,000 people coordinated to remove over one million litres of rubbish from the coast and plant over 20,000 trees along riparian strips. Sam also writes for NZherald.co.nz and several other publications as a freelancer. He is an avid surfer and freediver, and loves to help people solve problems.

REWENA MAHESHRewena is currently completing her Masters of Public Health at the University of Auckland with her current thesis focusing on creating healthier environments through effective food policies.  While not with family or friends, she s… — **REWENA MAHESH**
Rewena is currently completing her Masters of Public Health at the University of Auckland with her current thesis focusing on creating healthier environments through effective food policies. While not with family or friends, she spends her time volunteering with many non-govermental organisations, such as P3 Foundation - where she is currently the Auckland Regional Co-Lead - playing sports, and travelling. She is also fluent in four languages.

CLAIRE PETTIGREWClaire is currently studying towards a Master of Management at Massey University, with a focus on the role volunteer organisations play in an emergency.  Emergency resilience is a passion of hers; she is currently involved in Ci… — **CLAIRE PETTIGREW**
Claire is currently studying towards a Master of Management at Massey University, with a focus on the role volunteer organisations play in an emergency. Emergency resilience is a passion of hers; she is currently involved in Civil Defence, a Rescue Squad, and the development of the Newtown Community Emergency Response Plan. She has travelled extensively, and enjoys working to support young people of different cultures.