Summit Team
The Youth Leadership Summit is led by the Co-CEOs of PAYA, with local support from the Summit Director in the host country.
To ensure delegates have an authentic and meaningful experience of the host nation's history, culture, language, and traditions, the Summit Director appoints a local Summit Committee. This group plays a vital role in providing on-the-ground insight, community engagement and logistical support.
Together, PAYA and the local Summit team collaborate to deliver a program that is both locally grounded and regionally impactful.
Meet the local Summit Committee below.
Meet Our Summit Director
Chrisam Rapata Habu is currently an undergraduate student at the University of the South Pacific (USP). In May 2025, he co-founded a partnered online shop with the vision of empowering young people to explore entrepreneurship, while also addressing one of his country’s greatest challenges, the shortage of job opportunities.
His education journey began in the Solomon Islands at St. Nicholas College and later in Fiji at Vatuwaqa Primary School. In Year 6, he was awarded a scholarship to study abroad at William Clarke College in Sydney, Australia, where he completed his studies from Year 7 to Year 12. Living abroad provided him not only with access to quality education but also with exposure to new perspectives and innovative solutions that he believes could help address some of the pressing issues in his country.
When he returned home in 2024, he enrolled in Form 7 at King George VI National School and served on the Organising Committee. Although his role was as a member, he often contributed to the planning and logistics of events. For example, during a cultural night, he was tasked with sourcing materials for the stage and decorations. He approached Solbrew for support, and they generously donated unused palettes, which became part of the stage design. He also coordinated team members to purchase and transport other materials, ensuring that the event was a success. This experience strengthened his leadership, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Now, he is stepping into the role of Summit Director with the Pacific–Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA). This position offers him the opportunity to grow as a leader while also supporting efforts to bridge gaps in opportunity, innovation and sustainable development for young people in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific. He is passionate about empowering youth, building networks and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Beldah Ameria Tiripa recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics and International Business Marketing, at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2024 under the Solomon Islands Government Sponsorship (SIG). With a strong foundation in economics, which has equipped her with solid analytical and management skills, she was employed as a Project Officer for the Honiara City Council (HCC) in 2025.
As a proud citizen of the Solomon Islands, Beldah is passionate about youth-led initiatives and movements. On November 23, 2024, she joined PAYA when the Solomon Islands PAYA group held its first one-day workshop in Honiara. She saw this as an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and engage deeply in what she truly cares about: being actively involved in youth-led movements that foster strong friendships and connections with like-minded young people across the Pacific.
Currently, Beldah volunteers with the Honiara Local Summit team, where she supports the Summit Director and executives in planning, coordinating, and executing the upcoming Honiara Leadership Summit, scheduled for November 26 to 30
Gladys Bartlett (née Habu) is a Registered Pharmacist and passionate advocate from the Solomon Islands who focuses on health, climate change, and youth empowerment. She has represented Pacific youth regionally and internationally, participating in global forums such as COP26 in Glasgow (2021), the UN Oceans Conference in Lisbon (2022), and serving as a keynote speaker at the 7th Global NAP Expo in Botswana (2022).
Recognised as a Commonwealth Point of Light awardee by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2021, Gladys holds a Pharmacy Honours degree from Monash University, Australia. As a Chevening Scholar, she recently attained a Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy with Distinction from University College London.
Gladys began her journey with the Pacific Australia Youth Association as an Ambassador when the program was first established in 2020 and has since been an active volunteer with the association. She also serves as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador and One Young World Ambassador.
