35 Young Leaders Convene in Honiara for PAYA Youth Leadership Summit 2025 - Spotlighting Smith Kaitu’u

Thirty-five young delegates from across the Pacific and Australia convene in Honiara for the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) Youth Leadership Summit 2025, held from 26 to 30 November.

Over four days, they will engage in leadership development, cultural exchange, and collaborative initiatives aimed at shaping the future of the Pacific.

Among them is Smith Kaitu’u, a passionate young leader from the Solomon Islands, whose journey from a youth in Whiteriver to a community-minded changemaker embodies the summit’s mission of empowering young people to drive positive change.

“I’m just another regular patriotic young adult who had to learn the hard way,” Kaitu’u shares.

Growing up, he enjoyed the carefree days of youth, learning from mistakes and memorable experiences. Today, he channels that energy into giving back to his community and country.

For Kaitu’u, participating in the summit is an opportunity to meet other young leaders from the Pacific and Australia, build networks, and learn from peers with shared experiences and visions.

“It’s a chance to understand the journeys of other leaders—their goals, experiences, and approaches to creating positive engagement in their communities,” he said.

The summit’s theme, Youth Shaping Pacific Leadership, Environmental Sustainability, and Financial Security, highlights the importance of regional collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and practical leadership development.

Delegates like Kaitu’u participate in workshops, project-based collaboration, and discussions aimed at equipping them with the skills to address pressing local and regional challenges.

Kaitu’u sees his role at the summit as more than personal growth—it’s about inspiring others.

“I want to do good and be an icon for at least one person from my community. That’s what matters most. I hope to create a ripple effect.”

He is also aware of the challenges facing youth in his community, including stigma and marginalization.

“Even if you make mistakes in your youth, don’t worry. There will be a time when you want to transition and do good for the greater population. The lessons you gain give you wisdom—something we don’t learn in school—so you can find your own way to invest your skills.”

Looking ahead, Kaitu’u envisions leading a “work in progress group” for youth who want to overcome substance abuse and explore alternatives for personal growth through leadership, culture, and collaboration.

His advice to other aspiring leaders is simple but powerful: “You have your own skills and abilities. Do not let what people say about you define you. Realize your strength early and invest in it.”

The summit also provides a platform for the Solomon Islands to showcase its youth and foster regional solidarity.

With support from the Australian High Commission, the Solomon Islands Government, the National Parliament, and partners such as Tourism Solomons, UNDP, and the National Museum, the event underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their communities.

The Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) is the region’s leading youth NGO, established in 2020 to connect, empower, and equip young people through leadership development, cultural exchange, and collaborative initiatives.

Building on the success of past summits in Nouméa (2022), Nuku’alofa (2023), and Nauru (2024), the Youth Leadership Summit 2025 in Honiara brings together 35 young leaders aged 18–35 from across the Pacific and Australia for four days of immersive leadership development.

The summit aims to foster cross-cultural understanding, strengthen youth leadership and problem-solving skills, promote gender equality and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles, build sustainable regional networks, and engage local stakeholders to create lasting community impact.

Locally, the event spotlights Solomon Islands youth, engages schools, NGOs, and government agencies, stimulates the local economy, and builds long-term ties between Solomon Islands youth and their Pacific-Australia peers.

STORY BY TELEBERE NEWS

Telebere News is a Solomon Islands–based youth and travel news platform founded and owned by journalist and digital storyteller Lynton Aaron Filia, a dedicated youth and tourism blogger.

Lynton has worked in the mainstream media for four years and brings more than ten years of public relations experience from the private sector and NGOs. The blog amplifies young voices and highlights stories on youth development, the environment, tourism, and community progress across the islands.