HAWAII (July 5, 2026) — One of the visionaries behind the 1994 United Nations Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, Lelei LeLaulu, is among 40 trailblazing Samoan cultural icons to be honored in Hawaii this weekend.
LeLaulu, a founding director of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) nonprofit, will be celebrated during a star-studded celebration of Samoan excellence as Samoa International Radio marks its 40th anniversary by honoring 40 trailblazing Samoan cultural icons whose influence spans the Pacific and the world.
The red-carpet gala takes place Sunday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel’s Coral Ballroom, bringing together global leaders, cultural legends and community champions for one of the most significant celebrations of Samoan heritage ever held in Hawaii.
“For four decades, Samoa International Radio has been the heartbeat of our people,” said Daniel K. Aiono Sataraka, Host and CEO. “This celebration honors the Samoans who uplift our culture, inspire our youth and redefine how the world sees us.”
LeLaulu will receive the Cultural Heritage Leadership Award in recognition of his global humanitarian efforts, including his nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
CMEx Chairman and CEO Bevan Springer said it has been an honor to work closely with LeLaulu for more than three decades, and CMEx joins the Samoan community in celebrating a visionary leader whose lifelong commitment to sustainable development, humanitarian service and cross-cultural understanding has inspired people around the world.
“Lelei has dedicated his life to giving a stronger voice to small island states and vulnerable communities,” Springer said. “His commitment to building bridges across cultures and advancing sustainable development has left an enduring global legacy. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of one of our founding visionaries.”
Founded in 2001, CMEx is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism through media engagement, partnerships and community support.
