Paul Kaletsis, a dedicated representative and current Chair and Board Member of the Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc (PAYA), recently took part in a unique gathering of 20 emerging leaders from Australia and Papua New Guinea. The 2024 Aus-PNG Emerging Leaders Dialogue, hosted by the Lowy Institute’s Aus-PNG Network, centred on fostering understanding and collaboration and addressed key issues in the bilateral relationship between Australia and PNG.

My name is Steen Siale, and I grew up in the Solomon Islands, surrounded by the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Pacific. This environment instilled in me a deep connection to the ocean and my community, which ultimately inspired my journey into maritime studies. I was fortunate to receive a Solomon Islands Government scholarship to study at the Australia Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania, where I pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science in Maritime Technology Management.

On Saturday, August 31st, the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara, Solomon Islands, became the backdrop for a significant milestone in the Pacific's journey toward climate resilience and youth empowerment. The Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) and Greenergy Pacific came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to support climate-smart initiatives and empower youth across the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region.

In a historic moment for the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA), we are thrilled to announce the signing of our first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Vaiangina Project, a community initiative based in Tonga. This landmark partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower Pacific youth and create positive change in our communities.

From the Summit, so much new information, knowledge, ideas and even skills were learnt from people of various walks of life and field of expertise that were able to share the work they do to empower youths. There were panel discussions, workshops/labs, Interactive sessions (Idea Pads), press conference to very high-quality presentations and exhibition booths. It was really a great privileged to have listened as well to very prominent people in NCDC and PNG. The following summarizes the activities of 3 days summit at APEC Haus apart from 2 days (weekend) at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

On Saturday, 18th May 2024, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) proudly hosted its first workshop in Nauru, focusing on Youth Development, held at the University of South Pacific Nauru Campus. The event brought together 15 passionate young leaders from across the island, marking a significant step toward fostering youth empowerment and community engagement.

On April 27th, 2024, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA), in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea PAYA Family Committee, hosted an inspiring one-day Engagement Workshop with the theme “Leadership and Mindset Transformation.” Held at the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) Annex Building, this event brought together 30 enthusiastic participants from 9 AM to 4 PM, creating a vibrant space for learning, inspiration, and growth.

With my family’s support, my faith and surrounding myself with the right circle of individuals I successfully completed my studies in 2019 obtaining a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management minoring in Communications Design (Digital Marketing). Having my family journey with me until attaining this achievement is a blessing and I am grateful for their continuous love and support in my personal and professional development today.

Working with PAYA has opened many exciting doors that I couldn’t have possibly imagined just 16 months ago. One of the most rewarding experiences was the opportunity to represent PAYA and Australia at the United States Department of State’s Young Pacific Leaders Conference in Guåhan (Guam) in April 2023. Joining 45 young leaders from across 20 countries and territories opened my eyes to the history and cultural beauty of island communities across our Blue Pacific.

Growing up in a place like Kaintiba is not everyone’s cup of tea, and I am sure other Papua New Guineans will relate in one way or another. Being a village girl, I saw education as a way out, an opportunity, to explore the world outside of Kaintiba. My childhood was mad: being chased by bees through an old garden, jumping off rocks at riverbanks into the pool only to realize the pool is not deep enough and now I have to nurse my bruised knees and twisted arm, falling into ditches with bilum full of sweet potatoes because my Mum and I were too busy harvesting sweet potatoes from the garden.

Like any country in its youth, we have a lot to learn even though we have come a long way. I have lived all my life in my beloved Papua New Guinea and understand the many facets that limit us of opportunities to be better. For instance, I am today, years old, and still cannot remember a time in history when the phrase “under resourced health sector” was NOT an understatement. 

From December 2022 to July 2023, I was living in Vanuatu, a small island developing state in the South Pacific, thanks to the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program. I reflect on the vital lessons learnt during studying, working, socialising, and living in Vanuatu.

From a young age I was taught by my elders the importance of history, tradition and faith. Their lessons became my guide as I navigated my way around this vast and unpredictable ocean called life. When at times I was faced with adversity, or had difficult decisions to make, I always based my actions on the principles that were taught to me.

My story begins with my family, which has deep roots in the Polynesian territory. My maternal family is an ancient royal family of Tahiti, and my paternal family is a Chinese family of restaurateurs who have been established on the island for a very long time. In addition to that, I have had the privilege of always living with my parents and my younger brother in our house on the hill of Pamatai, from which you can observe the port of Papeete.

For as long as I could remember, I knew that I was a Samoan. My parents were both of Samoan background, I understood Samoan well, I communicated with my grandmother in the Samoan language, I attended a Samoan church, I ate Samoan foods and I danced the traditional Samoan dance. I was confident in doing all these things before the age of 5.

PAYA has grown so much over the past two years and we are very grateful to our entire family who has supported us along the way! Recently, our Co-Directors, Janice and Dominic were able to finalise an agreement with Ferguson Consultants Group as our first-ever corporate partner!

Nestled in Polynesia and numbering over 170 islands, many uninhabited, the Kingdom of Tonga has a long history with Australia. With a population of around 107,000 people, Tonga’s unique constitutional monarchy is over 1000 years old.

Aviamp–Pikus Elementary School in Anglimp South Waghi, Jiwaka Province, was established in January 2022. The idea to start this school was initiated by a small PIKUS Community back in 2019 with their leader Mr Peter Gene and the Mengemp community chairman Mr Peter Maltu. Mr Gene had decided to give his customary land to the local community to build a primary school by 2022.

Abel Rudolf is a third year student majoring in PNG Studies and International Relations at Divine Word University, Papua New Guinea (PNG). His story is one of true resilience. From being a poor performing student to excelling in school, from living in impoverished conditions to making it in life through determination and self belief. Abel’s story is moving.

Phillie Julai is the Student Representative Council President at Divine Word University in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Phillie shares some of the challenges she has faced serving in her role.