Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can attend the Youth Leadership Summit?
The Youth Leadership Summit is open to young people aged 18–40 from the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand.
Applicants must be current PAYA members and demonstrate an interest in leadership, community development, entrepreneurship, advocacy, public service, education, culture, sustainability, sport, or other areas of positive social impact.
Past delegates have included students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, volunteers, public servants, civil society representatives, faith leaders, creatives and youth advocates.
What is the deadline for submitting my application?
Applications for the Youth Leadership Summit Tahiti 2026 close at 11:59pm AEST on 30 June 2026.
All applicants must complete the online application form by the deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
What does the international registration fee cover?
The international registration fee of AUD $2,999 includes:
Four nights of twin-share accommodation
Daily breakfast
All Summit lunches and dinners
Airport transfers within Tahiti
Private transport between Summit venues and activities
Entry fees for official Summit activities
Summit materials and delegate resources
Participation in the Group Project Challenge
PAYA Youth Leadership Summit Certificate and micro-credential
The registration fee does not include international flights, travel insurance, visas, transit accommodation, personal spending, or optional tourism activities outside the official program.
Why is the registration fee expensive?
PAYA understands that AUD $2,999 is a significant investment for young people.
The Youth Leadership Summit is organised by a volunteer-led, youth-led not-for-profit organisation. PAYA does not receive ongoing government funding and relies on registration fees, sponsorships, grants, donations and volunteer contributions to deliver its programs.
The registration fee covers accommodation, meals, local transport, venue costs, activity fees, event materials, administration, insurance and the significant logistical costs involved in delivering a multi-day international event in a Pacific Island destination.
PAYA's volunteer Board and Executive team donate thousands of hours each year to organise the Summit and keep costs as low as possible. We actively seek sponsorship opportunities and delegate scholarships to improve accessibility and reduce financial barriers for young people across the region.
What should I wear during the Summit and do I need to bring a laptop?
A detailed packing list will be provided to selected delegates closer to the Summit.
The program generally includes a mixture of business casual attire, comfortable clothing for outdoor activities, cultural events, and formal attire for the Closing Dinner and Cultural Showcase.
Bringing a laptop is recommended but not mandatory. Delegates may also use tablets or other devices to participate in group project activities.
What if I have dietary restrictions, accessibility requirements, or other specific needs?
Please advise the Summit organisers of any dietary requirements, allergies, medical conditions, accessibility needs, or other considerations during the registration process.
PAYA will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individual requirements and ensure all delegates can participate fully in the Summit experience.
How do I get from Faa'a International Airport to my accommodation?
PAYA will arrange airport transfers between Faa'a International Airport and the Summit accommodation for delegates travelling on the recommended flights.
These transfers are included in the registration fee.
Further arrival instructions will be provided closer to the Summit.
Do I need a visa to travel to French Polynesia?
PAYA is unable to provide individual visa advice.
Delegates are responsible for checking and complying with all entry requirements for French Polynesia and any transit countries they may travel through.
As French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, entry requirements may differ from those of other Pacific destinations.
We recommend checking visa requirements well in advance of travel through official French government sources or your nearest French embassy or consulate.
I plan to arrive before Saturday 21 November or leave after Wednesday 25 November. Can I stay at the same accommodation?
Your Summit registration fee includes accommodation from Saturday 21 November to Wednesday 25 November 2026.
Delegates wishing to arrive earlier or remain in Tahiti after the Summit will need to arrange and pay for their own additional accommodation. PAYA can provide accommodation recommendations upon request.
What meals are included in the registration fee?
The registration fee includes:
Daily breakfast
All Summit lunches
All Summit dinners
Official reception and networking events
Meals associated with official Summit activities, including the Moorea program
Delegates are responsible for any meals purchased outside the official Summit program, including meals before arrival or after departure.
Can I apply if I have never attended a PAYA event before?
Absolutely.
Many delegates attend a PAYA event for the first time through the Youth Leadership Summit. We welcome applications from both existing and new members who are passionate about leadership, community impact, and building connections across the Pacific.
What happens after the Summit?
The Summit is designed to be the beginning of your journey with PAYA, not the end.
Delegates become part of the wider PAYA network and may be invited to participate in future leadership opportunities, volunteering, mentoring, workshops, international exchanges, advocacy initiatives, project implementation opportunities, and other regional programs throughout the year.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
EMAIL OUR SUMMIT DIRECTOR: tahiti@paya.org.au
