The third annual Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders’ Summit brought together young emerging leaders from across the Pacific and Australia for a week of connection-building, leadership development, and dialogue. Held from November 22nd to 29th in Sydney/Canberra, the summit was organized by Micah Australia and the Pacific Conference of Churches, gathering emerging leaders aged 22 to 35. These leaders came from diverse backgrounds, representing First Nations, Pacific Diaspora, and the wider Australian communities.
Over the course of the summit, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including cultural workshops, panel discussions on inclusion and self-determination, praise and worship sessions, and political advocacy training. The summit concluded with two major events: a visit to the Australian Parliament House and a tour of the Pacific Islands commissions in Canberra. The delegation had the opportunity to meet with Australian politicians and share about their personal stories, the key principles of self-determination, and the 2025 Blue Pacific strategy.
Among the participants were 12 delegates of Samoan descent. These delegates, who represented various church communities and organizations from civil society and government sectors, found the experience to be particularly inspirational. It offered them valuable capacity-building training that they plan to bring back to their own communities and workplaces. A highlight for them on this journey was being hosted by H.E. Aiono Hinauri Petana – Samoa’s High Commissioner to Australia – over a delightful morning tea.
On the final night, the Samoan delegates showcased their cultural heritage through a siva Samoa performance, adding a memorable and meaningful conclusion to the summit.
The Samoan delegation included the following participants:
- Saprina Te’o – American Samoa
- Johannes Uili – Samoa
- Bolivia Smith – Samoa
- Liza Hakai Stanley – Samoa
- Tupea Seumanu – Australia
- Mal Naseli – Australia
- Rowena Seutatia McDonald – Australia
- Sarah Timu – Australia
- Rosaline Parker – Australia
- Autalaga Tuialii – Australia
- Victoria Su’a Falo Leleisiuao – Australia
- Osanna Fa’ata’ape – Australia
