Creating a Prosperous Future: Paul Represents PAYA at Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue
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, including:
Sport
Youth employment
Education
Leadership
Trade & investment
International aid
Regional security.
Paul described the week as an invaluable opportunity to learn from peers, remarking, "The Emerging Leaders Dialogue was a wonderful platform to share perspectives, gain new insights, and learn from young leaders on the challenges and opportunities to grow the Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship."
As Paul highlighted, one of the most promising insights was the shift in focus from aid to economic trade: "A key takeaway during the week was the emphasis from both Australian and Papua New Guinean representatives on the desire to shift our relationship from aid to trade."
During the Dialogue, Paul also gained a renewed appreciation for the critical role of both nations in the Blue Pacific’s future: "The Dialogue has given me a deeper appreciation of the Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship, and the important role both our countries have in addressing the challenges facing our Blue Pacific."
Finally, Paul noted that the relationships formed during this time will undoubtedly shape his future work: "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have learnt from this incredible cohort of young leaders, who I know I will be friends with for years to come."
With new understandings and connections, Paul and the PAYA team plan to integrate these experiences into their future programs in PNG. An Outcomes Report detailing the Dialogue’s recommendations will be released in the coming months, offering further insight into the promising future of the Australia-Papua New Guinea partnership.
