PNG Regional Youth Summit
14 September – 17 September 2026
East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea
The Pacific Australia Youth Association (PAYA) is proud to present the PNG Regional Youth Summit 2026, bringing together emerging young leaders from across Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia for four days of leadership development, networking, and regional collaboration.
Held in the beautiful East New Britain Province, this summit will provide participants aged 18–40 with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections with like-minded changemakers from across the Pacific.
Throughout the summit, delegates will engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, cultural exchanges, and networking sessions focused on empowering the next generation of Pacific leaders. Participants will explore key issues affecting the region, share innovative solutions, and develop practical skills that can be applied within their communities and professional careers.
Whether you are passionate about community development, entrepreneurship, governance, education, climate action, or youth advocacy, the PNG Regional Youth Summit offers an inspiring platform to learn, collaborate, and create lasting regional partnerships.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18–40 from:
Papua New Guinea
Australia
Fiji
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
New Caledonia
Applications open: 19 July 2026
Applications close: 2 August 2026
Join us in East New Britain as we celebrate Pacific culture, strengthen regional friendships, and empower the next generation of Pacific changemakers.
Register today by scanning the QR code or completing the online application form via https://www.jotform.com/build/261991511738868
Bi-monthly Member Catch up
PAYA members' BI-Monthly online catch-up
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 26 July 2026
🕒 Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (AEST)
💻 Location: Zoom (link has been sent via a calendar invite)
👥 Who: PAYA Members
🎯 What: A relaxed virtual catch-up to connect, share updates, and strengthen our network.
✨ Why Join?
• Network with fellow members
• Share updates and ideas
• Engage in open discussion
Webinar on "Empowering Young Pacific Changemakers: Skills and Leadership for Global Fellowships" with Natalia Fareti
Our guest speaker Natalia Fareti is Director Policy at Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand. An economist and policy leader, she has held roles across the private sector, Local Government New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Natalia is Chair of New Zealand’s Government Economics Network and serves on the boards of the Wellington Pasifika Business Network and Y Greater Wellington. She is a 2024/25 McCain Global Leader, an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow, and a strong advocate for Pacific communities, women, and youth leadership.
Outside of work, Natalia enjoys creative writing, good chocolate, and learning to play pickleball.
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261653048045051
Bi-monthly Member Catch up
PAYA members' BI-Monthly online catch-up
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 31st May 2026
🕒 Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (AEST)
💻 Location: Zoom (link has been sent via a calendar invite)
👥 Who: PAYA Members
🎯 What: A relaxed virtual catch-up to connect, share updates, and strengthen our network.
✨ Why Join?
• Network with fellow members
• Share updates and ideas
• Engage in open discussion
Youth Leadership Summit 2025
Halo olketa and warm greetings lo yufala!
We’re thrilled to announce Honiara, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧 as the host of the 4th Youth Leadership Summit this November!
Mackay Community Youth Event
The Pacific Australia Youth Association invites you to a free community youth event.
This exciting event will feature Craig Burns, Australian athlete and Commonwealth Games runner, who will share his journey and inspire participants through athletics-based activities.
Bi-monthly Member Catch up
Join us this Saturday 27th September for our PAYA Members Virtual Catch Up! All members are welcome to join. Check your calendar email invite for the Zoom link
Annual General Meeting 2025
Join us for the PAYA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 25th September 2024, at 6:30pm AEST, held both online via Zoom and in-person at the Brisbane Square Library.
PAYA Financial Literacy Workshop in Nauru
Join us in Nauru for PAYA’s Financial Literacy Workshop — a full-day event designed to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to thrive financially and personally. 🌱💰
PNG Regional Youth Summit
Join the PAYA PNG Regional Youth Summit 2025 in Port Moresby from 15–17 September to mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Hosted by the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA), this three-day summit brings together 20 youth leaders (aged 18–35) from PNG and across the Pacific for panel discussions, leadership workshops, cultural celebrations, and community engagement. Applications close 30 June 2025. Limited spots available: 14 local and 6 international delegate positions.
PAYA Members Virtual Catch-Up
Join us Saturday 19th July for our PAYA Members Virtual Catch Up! All members are welcome to join. Check your calendar email invite for the Zoom link.
Business Networking Breakfast with Australia Awards PNG
Network with emerging professionals and industry leaders. Hear how Australia Awards is empowering changemakers and promoting the 2027 scholarship intake.
Empowering Quality Teaching: Strengthening Integral Human Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Romen Grammar School and PAYA are partnering to deliver a two-week training workshop for early childhood and elementary teachers in East New Britain. The program builds capacity in inclusive education, life skills, and Integral Human Development. Week 1 covers theory-based training, while Week 2 provides hands-on classroom practice.
TA’U MOANA, TA’U ANANAHI – PAYA Workshop à Tahiti
Le Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) est heureux d’organiser son tout premier atelier en Polynésie française ! Intitulé "TA’U MOANA, TA’U ANANAHI" (Mon océan, mon avenir), cet événement inédit se tiendra à l’Assemblée de la Polynésie française à Papeete.
Cette journée d’échanges et de réflexion portera sur la mer, l’environnement et la culture, en écho à la troisième Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’Océan (UNOC3) et à la Déclaration de Papeete.
PAYA Members Virtual Catch-Up
Join us this Saturday 3rd May for our PAYA Members Virtual Catch Up! All members are welcome to join. Check your calendar email invite for the Zoom link.
Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Summit - Weipa
Join us in Weipa on Saturday 22nd March and Sunday 23rd March 2025 for our Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Summit! Apply now and don’t miss this incredible opportunity.
Youth Leadership Summit Nauru 2024
Our third edition of our flagship annual event is returning to the Pacific islands in November 2024. Please visit our dedicated Summit page for more information: paya.org.au/summit
Empowering Youth to be Employable - Solomon Islands Workshop
The Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) is thrilled to host our first-ever workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands! 🇸🇧
This impactful one-day event, themed "Empowering Youth to be Employable," is set to inspire and equip young leaders for their futures. 🌱💼
Financial Services in the Pacific Webinar
Join us for an exclusive PAYA members-only webinar this Thursday on Trade and Development in the Pacific! We'll dive into trade policy, discuss the challenges Pacific businesses face, and share success stories of Pasifika entrepreneurship. By the end, you’ll gain a clear understanding of international trade’s impact on development and uncover new ways to drive economic growth in our region.
Trade and Development Webinar
Join us for an exclusive PAYA members-only webinar this Thursday on Trade and Development in the Pacific! We'll dive into trade policy, discuss the challenges Pacific businesses face, and share success stories of Pasifika entrepreneurship! By the end, you’ll gain a clear understanding of international trade’s impact on development and uncover new ways to drive economic growth in our region
Member Catch Ups - October 2024
On Saturday 26th October, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.
Member Catch Ups - August 2024
On Saturday 17th August, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.
Member Catch Ups - June 2024
On Saturday 15th June, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.
Q&A Info Session - Youth Leadership Summit Nauru 2024
Our team will be going live on Zoom on Saturday 1st June for a Q&A Info Session for PAYA Members. Have a question about the Youth Leadership Summit? PAYA Members are invited to join us to learn more. If you aren’t a PAYA Member, sign up now at paya.org.au/membership to access the Zoom meeting.
Nauru Youth Development Workshop
PAYA is pleased to present our first workshop in Nauru for our members. The half day program will focus on youth development and work towards addressing key challenges for young people in Nauru.
Papua New Guinea Leadership and Mindset Transformation Workshop
PAYA Inc. is holding a Leadership and Mindset Transformation Workshop for youth in PNG on Saturday 27th April 2024. We encourage you to join other motivated leaders to learn about: Impacting Community Through Small-Medium Enterprise Leadership, Women in Leadership, Sports Leadership and Cultivating a Healthy Mindset.
Member Catch Ups - April 2024
On Saturday 20th April, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across 17 key locations across the Pacific and Australia. Check out our events page for the full list.
Pacific-Australia Youth Networking Event - Gold Coast
We’re pleased to share an opportunity with our PAYA family👇👏
Pacific-Australia Youth Networking Event on the Gold Coast brings together NCP alumni, Australia Awards students, international students from the Pacific and Pasifika diaspora to promote the New Colombo Plan and cross-cultural collaboration between the Pacific and Australian youth.
🌴 Saturday 16th December
🌺 5pm-8pm
🌊 Broadwater Parklands
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/zkyKFHeEPasxuj2t7
The Pacific-Australia Youth Networking Event - Gold Coast - is an initiative of Dominic de Moura McCarthy, funded by the New Colombo Plan in his capacity as an Alumni Ambassador. The event is not associated with PAYA Inc.
Annual Youth Leadership Summit
Five days of discussions, panels, networking, site visits, day trips, cultural activities, roundtables and project-based workshops. 🌏🌊
Mou kaunga kau mai ke fakaha mo fakahoko ae le’o moe loto a hotau komiuniti. 🇹🇴
Micronesian Cultural Voyages Webinar
Join the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc at 6:30-8:00pm AEST Thursday 28th September for the Micronesian Cultural Voyages Webinar! Youth from Pacific Islands Countries and Territories across Micronesia will share their cultures, stories and professional experiences with fellow youth across Australia and the South Pacific. Australian youth with lived experience in Micronesia will share their cultural learnings, experiences, and opportunities to build strong cultural connections across our Blue Pacific. Register here to attend: https://forms.gle/jjkPmR9DNjkGAJEq7