The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) last week held a final orientation session for the five students selected to represent the Cook Islands at the High School Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 in Japan.

In a statement, MFAI said the orientation provided essential information to support the students’ attendance and insight into the growing relationship between the Cook Islands and Japan.

The youth ambassadors are students undertaking final year studies drawn from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. They include Esther David, Lamais Julian, Taom Toru, Joshua Teiotu, Petani and chaperone, Ben Patia.

The youth ambassadors selected hail from the islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Pukapuka and Aitutaki and will join 166 other High School groups from around the world and 250 Japanese students at the High School Summit to be held in Kumamoto City, Japan.

“The Summit aims to discuss efforts to mitigate the damage caused by natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis and to develop future leaders who will take action to build resilience and act collectively to find solutions to complex challenges,” MFAI said.

Tepaeru Herrmann, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, welcomed the students, commending their selection to represent the Cook Islands on the international stage.

Herrmann spoke about the importance of bringing to the Summit their unique Cook Islands perspectives, identities and culture and the voices of Cook Islands youth on issues to be discussed.  

“The Summit is a wonderful opportunity for our youth ambassadors to contribute Cook Islands youth perspectives on natural disasters risk reduction efforts and learn from others,” Herrmann said.

“While tsunamis don’t affect us as much, our youth ambassadors can offer perspectives relating to cyclone preparedness and resilience strengthening initiatives being used across our outer islands and Rarotonga in response to cyclones, flash flooding and king tides.

“The Summit will serve as a forum for exchange of views and recognition by youth of the value of international cooperation so youth can not only safeguard themselves but also serve as catalysts for mindset and behaviour change towards disaster preparedness within their families and communities.”

The briefing was delivered by MFAI director of International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman, alongside Japan’s Honorary Consul John Webb. The students received essential travel advice, including a checklist of key items, guidance on Japanese customs, and practical information such as currency, weather expectations, and general travel safety tips.

“MFAI is proud to support these young leaders as they represent the Cook Islands on the international stage and wish them well on their journey.”

World Tsunami Awareness Day, observed annually on November 5, aims to raise awareness about tsunamis and promote preparedness among communities at risk. In 2024, this day will mark the 8^th anniversary of its inception by the United Nations in 2015, and it will also commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.