Connected but Disconnected: Understanding Social Media Addiction and Reclaiming Our Attention

On 31 July 2026, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA), in collaboration with United States Department of State Young Pacific Leaders Program (YPLP) Alumni Phillie Julai Marai, will host a Freedom 250 Alumni event at the American Space, National Library & Archives in Waigani.

The session will explore the growing impact of social media on young people’s attention, wellbeing, relationships and everyday lives.

The presentation will encourage young people to critically reflect on their relationship with technology and consider how they can reclaim their time, attention and presence in an increasingly connected world.

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

PAYA will bring together members, partners and stakeholders in Port Moresby for an afternoon of connection, collaboration and new opportunities. The event will highlight the establishment of the PAYA PNG Branch, plans for the upcoming PNG Regional Summit, and a new partnership with the Institution of Engineers Papua New Guinea (IEPNG) Port Moresby Branch.

Empowering Young Pacific Changemakers: Skills and Leadership for Global Fellowships is a PAYA webinar featuring Natalia Fareti, an economist and policy leader and Director Policy at Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand. A strong advocate for Pacific communities, women and youth leadership, Natalia will share insights and practical perspectives to help young Pacific changemakers strengthen their skills and prepare for global fellowship opportunities.

Join PAYA for an inspiring conversation on leadership, professional development and creating impact on the global stage.

PAYA Supports the National Blood Drive Initiative in Samoa

On 14 June 2026, PAYA will support the National Blood Drive Initiative in Samoa, bringing together young people, community members and organisations to promote voluntary blood donation and the importance of giving back.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the need for safe and sustainable blood supplies while encouraging a new generation of young people to become regular voluntary blood donors. The event will provide an opportunity for youth organisations, schools, churches, government agencies, community organisations and members of the public to come together around a shared purpose: saving lives through service.

Through its support, PAYA hopes to inspire young Pacific Islanders to take meaningful action in their communities and recognise the powerful difference that one simple act of giving can make.

One donation. Many lives. One stronger Pacific community.

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

PAYA Solomon Islands is coming together to support the Simbo and Shortland Island communities through a community donation initiative. The initiative will bring together PAYA members, families, friends and supporters to collect essential supplies and demonstrate the spirit of service, solidarity and community support.

Join PAYA and local partners in Ollei, Ngarchelong, Palau, for the BHA Learning Cookout — a youth-focused event bringing young people together to build confidence, strengthen connections and explore emotional intelligence through fun, interactive activities.

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.

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

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.

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. 🌱💰

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.

Network with emerging professionals and industry leaders. Hear how Australia Awards is empowering changemakers and promoting the 2027 scholarship intake.

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.

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.

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. 🌱💼

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.

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

On Saturday 26th October, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.

On Saturday 17th August, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.

On Saturday 15th June, we will be holding Member Catch Ups across key locations across the Pacific and Australia.

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.

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.