Member Spotlight: Youth Leadership from PNG to Honiara

Figure 1. Delegate Team visit to Solomon Islands National Parliament to learn about Systems, Functions & general education. SI operates under Westminster system with a 50 member, single chamber legislature elected every 4 years. The parliament is responsible for making laws, managing government and ensuring peace. It welcomes students and youth groups to educate them on democratic processes etc.

Every journey begins with a decision to step forward.

For Aileen Zuhukepe, a proud member of PAYA in Papua New Guinea, the 2025 Pacific Australia Youth Leadership Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands, was more than an international leadership event—it was an opportunity to represent her community, strengthen regional partnerships, and join a growing network of young Pacific leaders committed to creating positive change.

Bringing together 40 emerging leaders from across the Pacific and Australia, the summit centred on the theme "Youth Shaping Pacific Leadership, Environmental Sustainability and Financial Security." Throughout five days, delegates participated in leadership workshops, cultural exchanges, community visits and collaborative projects that celebrated both the diversity and shared aspirations of the Pacific region.

Figure 2. MSG Team getting ready to pitch their project on Language & Literacy Training in Honiara, Solomon Islands during closing evening.

Although unexpected funding delays meant Aileen arrived after the opening sessions, she quickly immersed herself in the program, determined to make the most of every remaining opportunity.

"Despite arriving late, the experience reminded me that leadership is not about when you arrive—it's about how you contribute."

One of the most memorable experiences was participating in the Local Leadership Panel, where respected leaders from the Solomon Islands shared honest reflections on their leadership journeys, the challenges they had overcome, and the importance of resilience and service. Their stories reinforced that authentic leadership begins with listening, learning and remaining committed to community.

The summit also challenged delegates to move beyond discussion and develop practical solutions to regional issues.

Working alongside young leaders from Solomon Islands and West Papua, Aileen joined the MSG Team to design a project addressing language and literacy among young people in the Solomon Islands. Together, the team proposed a community-focused initiative aimed at improving literacy while strengthening opportunities for youth participation and learning.

The project demonstrated what can be achieved when young people from different countries combine their experiences and perspectives to solve shared challenges.

Beyond the workshops, delegates experienced the rich culture and history of the Solomon Islands through visits to Parliament House, the National Museum, Tenaru Waterfalls and Amazing Grace Farms.

Figure 3. Visit to SI National Museum. Important history learnt apart from crafts was the migration of Melanesian people dated back in 1800s which is proven by common language Pidgin as spoken today. Understanding the origin and connection of pacific people through history was the major take from the museum visitation.

These experiences offered more than sightseeing.

Learning about the Solomon Islands' democratic system, exploring the shared history of Melanesian peoples, hiking through pristine rainforest and witnessing sustainable cocoa production all highlighted the deep cultural and environmental connections that unite Pacific nations.

For Aileen, these moments reinforced the importance of preserving Pacific heritage while investing in innovative, youth-led solutions for the future.

The summit also created opportunities to build lasting friendships and professional networks with emerging leaders from across the region. Conversations extended well beyond the formal sessions, creating relationships grounded in shared values, collaboration and a common commitment to strengthening Pacific communities.

Reflecting on the experience, Aileen believes that investing in young people goes beyond providing leadership training.

It means ensuring young leaders have equitable access to opportunities through stronger partnerships, timely financial support and sustained collaboration between governments, development partners and youth organisations. While funding challenges affected parts of her participation, the experience highlighted how removing these barriers can enable more young Pacific leaders to contribute their ideas and talents on the regional stage.

Figure 4. Team Visitation to Amazing Grace Farms - Local Cocoa Plantation and Processing company in Solomon Islands. The visitation signifies the growth of Agro-economics in the country. It signifies major source of export revenue, foreign exchange earnings and employment to the locals. Youths learnt sustainable ways to make use of natural resources.

The summit reaffirmed that meaningful youth engagement happens when young people are trusted to lead, supported to collaborate and empowered to transform ideas into action.

As Aileen returned to Papua New Guinea, she carried more than memories of Honiara.

She returned with new friendships, renewed confidence and a stronger commitment to advancing youth leadership within her community and across the Pacific.

Because when Pacific young people come together, they don't simply imagine a better future—they begin building it.

Figure 5. Workshop on local leadership: Panelists and all delegates.