YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT NAURU 2024

27th-30th November

Entrepreneurship | Sustainability | Health | Sport | Good Governance | Faith | Culture | Education

Youth from Nauru can apply to be a delegate at our Youth Leadership Summit. Applications close Wednesday 13th November!

About

The Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc's annual flagship event, the Youth Leadership Summit, brings together young leaders aged 18-35 years old from across the Pacific-Australia region. Taking place from the 27th-30th November 2024 in Nauru, delegates will come together to form new networks, develop a deeper understanding of the region and discover the power of cross-cultural cooperation by delivering a project for future implementation. By supporting youth leaders, we aim to foster a collaborative and innovative environment that will address regional challenges and create lasting solutions.

Program

PAYA’s Inaugural Youth Leadership Summit Nouméa welcomed 30 young people from 7 Pacific Island countries and territories for three days in November 2022. Our second edition, the Youth Leadership Summit Nuku’alofa 2023, saw 46 young leaders from 10 Pacific Island countries and territories participate.

Delegates have the opportunity to listen to and contribute to discussions and panels centred around the Summit’s core themes throughout the four days. This includes site visits, day trips, cultural activities and participating in traditional local practices.

This immersive and hands-on approach to our Summit empowers young leaders to not only appreciate and better understand the unique aspects of the Pacific-Australia region but also to actively contribute to its development and growth.

  • Foster cross-cultural cooperation and understanding among young leaders from the Pacific-Australia region. 

  • Enhance participants' leadership skills through interactive workshops, roundtables, and project-based activities. 

  • Develop a strong network of young leaders to address regional challenges and create lasting solutions. 

  • Encourage youth-driven initiatives and projects that contribute to the development and growth of the Pacific-Australia region. 

  • Enable attendees to participate in PAYA’s mentorship program to provide ongoing support for Summit participants following the Summit.

  • Strengthen the PAYA Family to foster long-term connections and collaboration among past and present Summit delegates. 

  • Facilitate opportunities for internships and professional development for Summit participants through partnerships with corporate entities. 

  • Showcase and celebrate the unique cultural aspects of the host country, forging a deeper appreciation for the Pacific-Australia region.

Objectives

Registration

The registration fee for the Youth Leadership Summit is 2299 AUD for international applicants from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. This fee includes 3 nights of accommodation in a twin-share room, daily breakfast, all Summit lunches and dinners, in-country airport transfers, Summit materials, private bus transport between program events, and participation in all Summit activities.

International delegates are responsible for booking their own flights, travel insurance and covering any other necessary expenses such as visas or transit hotels if required.

For local applicants from Nauru, participation is free of charge, which covers all Summit lunches and dinners, conference materials, private bus transport between program events, and participation in all Summit activities.

To apply, interested youth leaders must follow our nomination and application process, and submit it by 30th June 2024. Successful applicants will be notified after this date and provided with further details to pay their registration fee and prepare for their attendance at the Summit.

Nominations close Sunday 14th July 2024 at 11:59pm AEST.

Delegate Testimonials

  • "My experience attending the Youth Leadership Summit in Nuku'alofa was truly amazing. The summit brought together young, talented leaders from across the Australia-Pacific region, and provided us with an opportunity to connect and share our experiences and ideas."

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "I had an incredible time during PAYA’s first ever Inaugural Youth Leadership Summit in Noumea. Not only did I get to make amazing connections with likeminded youths from all over the Pacific. I was also grateful for the discussion sessions PAYA organised with SPC and the Province Sud where we get to hear and discuss with fellow high achieving Pacific Islanders."

    Nouméa 2022

  • "Overall the summit was great, interesting, and very educational. I learned a lot through the summit, which now put me in a better place to expand my reach and do more in the youth development space through my line of work. Big thank you to the PAYA core team for putting up this magnificent event. God bless everyone."

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "Participating in an event of this magnitude has made me aware of the opportunities that exist in our environment in all areas of development. This summit's goal is to bring together young people … to meet and learn about other cultures and territories. I express my gratitude and appreciation to the entire PAYA Summit team."

    Nouméa 2022

  • "Do it! If you want to immerse yourself in the Pacific while engaging with delegates from all over the region then this is the Summit for you!"

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "Join The Youth Leadership Summit. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique experience of personal growth, cultural exchange, and community building, while connecting with inspiring young leaders from across the region."

    Nouméa 2022

  • "Many thanks to all of you! You've motivated me to become a young leader in my community, and to inspire other young people to do the same. At first I didn't know anyone, but I came home with 42 more friends. I'm so grateful. Malo ‘aupito, Ofa atu"

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "It was an absolutely amazing experience, I loved every minute of it. All the activities were so well-thought out and I got so much out of it."

    Nouméa 2022

  • "I realized that as an islander, there is a world of connections, experiences and projects right there, waiting to happen. I can't wait to keep exploring!"

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "The PAYA conference is wonderful opportunity for those looking to dip their toes into working cross-culturally in the Pacific. I encourage those interested in Pacific work to apply, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because we need to play a larger role in the Pacific."

    Nouméa 2022

  • "The Youth Leadership Summit held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga in 2023, organized by PAYA, was an incredibly inspiring experience. I had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from across the Australia-Pacific region and develop my leadership skills in a supportive environment. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what PAYA has in store for their future events!"

    Nuku’alofa 2023

  • "The 2022 Summit brought together some of the best and brightest youth leaders from across the Pacific region. In attending, I gained unique insights, learned new skills, and created life-long friendships. I would strongly recommend applying for the Summit in 2023."

    Nouméa 2022

Next

Nomination and Application