Youth Leadership Summit Nauru 2024: A Micronesian Milestone of Connection, Confidence and Community
“This Summit brought out the best of us all… and I have full faith and hope that more of our future leaders are being empowered through opportunities such as the PAYA Youth Leadership Summit programs.”
— Tréannah Mirra Dabwido, Summit Coordinator
From 27 to 30 November 2024, the island nation of Nauru became the heart of Pacific youth leadership, hosting the third edition of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA)’s Youth Leadership Summit (YLS). For the first time, a Micronesian country welcomed our regional network of changemakers—and it did not disappoint.
In just four days, 25 delegates from across the region—Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and of course, Nauru—bonded over shared values, tackled pressing issues, and co-designed solutions to challenges facing their communities. They didn’t just learn—they led.
Highlights from Each Day
Day One: Welcomes & Warmth
International delegates were greeted at Nauru International Airport with big smiles and warm Pacific hospitality. After settling into Menen Hotel, delegates kicked off with an evening of cultural ice-breakers and introductions, sharing the meaning behind their names and building the foundations of community that would carry through the week.
Day Two: Identity & Governance
A powerful opening ceremony featured traditional chants and performances by local clans. Delegates learned greetings in the Nauruan language and gained insight into the country’s governance systems through a workshop on youth and democracy. A bus tour of the island wrapped the day, offering a deeper appreciation for Nauru’s culture and landscape.
Day Three: Sustainability & Solutions
The energy shifted into action. From an environmental workshop by Nauru Restoration Generation to an afternoon Q&A with the Australian High Commissioner, delegates explored real-world challenges and sparked critical conversations. The fishing trip later that day wasn’t just a cultural activity—it became a moment of calm reflection and shared laughter.
Day Four: Health, Enterprise & Ideas That Inspire
The final day brought powerful sessions on entrepreneurship and health innovation, including a dynamic panel on Pacific women in health, moderated by Co-CEO Phillie Julai Marai. Then came the big moment: group project pitches. Delegates presented community-led initiatives across the Summit’s eight themes, wrapping the week with a heartfelt closing dinner.
Spotlight on the Winning Project: Teenpreneur Club
This year’s top project was Teenpreneur Club—a youth entrepreneurship initiative tailored to stay-at-home teens aged 13–18. Born from deep listening to local needs, the project responds to youth disengagement and high teenage pregnancy rates in Nauru.
Led by five passionate delegates—Marshall, Monica, Charlei, Violeta, and Lucie—the Club offers hands-on learning in tailoring, digital marketing, business planning, and mentoring from local entrepreneurs. With support from the Nauru Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Centre, the project is designed to be sustainable and locally led.
PAYA will work alongside this team to implement the Teenpreneur Club in 2025.
Our Impact, In Numbers and Narratives
100% of delegates said they feel better equipped to be young leaders after attending the Summit
Sessions and activities received an average rating of 4.9/5
Delegates described the Summit as “empowering,” “life-changing,” and “deeply enriching”
But beyond the numbers, the heart of this Summit was captured by the voices of our participants:
“Being part of PAYA was beyond empowering. I left the summit feeling enabled and reassured that youth all around the Pacific are making waves.”
“One of the best decisions I made this year.”
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning.
Implementation of the Teenpreneur Club in Nauru
A follow-up workshop in Nauru in 2025 to sustain momentum
Expansion of PAYA’s membership and deeper regional partnerships
Continued alignment with global frameworks like the SDGs, 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, and the New Colombo Plan
Thank You
Our sincere thanks to our partners—especially the Australian High Commission to Nauru, the local PAYA Committee, and all our volunteer facilitators. Special appreciation to our sponsors, partners, and of course, the delegates themselves, for bring this vision to life.
📷 Explore more moments from the Summit: Read the full report here
📬 Interested in joining our next Summit or supporting our programs? Reach out to us at info@paya.org.au or follow us at @pacificausyouth
