Young leaders from across the Pacific have gathered in Samoa's capital Apia to discuss and identify issues that affect them as a united Pacific and network.

The Young Pacific Leaders Program (YPL) is run by America's State Department and this is the first time they are hosting a workshop in Samoa. The theme for the workshop this week is bringing social equity, inclusion, diversity, equality and human rights.

The Apia-based U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi said there was a need to invest in the future generation of Pacific leaders.

“I believe that now more than ever, there is a need to invest in the future generation of Pacific leaders," said the American diplomat.

"Through the YPL we aim to provide a platform for young individuals to connect, learn from each other and create tangible impacts within their communities."

There are 35 participants from 17 different Pacific island nations. Each and every one of them is representative of their own field and an expert on their own country. They were selected specifically as experts on different subject matters in their respective sectors in their home countries. 

Out of the 35 participants, there are about six from Samoa, and they want to spread the word for more Samoans to jump on board, and invest in becoming young leaders in the future.

Eseese Moke Ah Sam, who is one of the Samoan participants in the regional workshop, said she saw how this was a great platform to promote future leaders and was something she wanted to be a part of.

By profession, she was a scientific research officer for the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS). After leaving her job she jumped at this opportunity to network with other young leaders and to learn from their experiences.

“I want to be like that, I want to be able to see, to have a positive impact and help out my own community,” said Ms. Ah Sam. “I don’t know many people so I knew for sure that I needed to build on my network.

"I definitely knew that the YPL was the perfect platform for me to start building towards becoming a future leader for our Pacific people.“ 

The next YPL meeting will be held next year most possibly in Hawaii to coincide with the Pacific Arts Festival in June 2024. 

The YPL also emphasises the importance of development and stewardship. Participants actively engage in discussions and activities related to the shared challenges across the Pacific. This focus equipped them with knowledge and resources to address concerns and advocate for the best human rights practices in their communities.