Youth Leadership Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Honiara with 35 Pacific Delegates

The Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2025 officially commenced in Honiara yesterday.

The summit brings together 35 young leaders from across the Pacific and Australia, including local Solomon Islands delegates, for a week dedicated to leadership training, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration.

35 young leaders from across the Pacific and Australia gathered at Honiara Hotel for the official opening of the Youth Leadership Summit 2025

Hosted by the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA), the Summit will run from 26–30 November.

This year marks the fourth edition of PAYA’s flagship youth program, following successful gatherings in New Caledonia (2022), Tonga (2023), and Nauru (2024). Significantly, this is the first time the event has been hosted in the Solomon Islands.

PAYA Vice Chair Gladys Bartlett expressed the organisation’s pride in hosting such a diverse group of young leaders, noting strong support from national and regional partners.

“This year we are pleased to be hosting 35 young people, comprising both local and regional delegates. We sincerely thank the Australian High Commission, our major sponsor, for enabling this important opportunity. Australia has played a critical role in supporting PAYA’s vision from its inception.”

Mrs. Bartlett also acknowledged other key supporters saying, “I also acknowledge our supporters—the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the National Parliament of Solomon Islands who will host us for a tour, Tourism Solomons, the National Museum, the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress, and UNDP, to name a few.”

The Summit is operating under the theme: “Youth Shaping Pacific Leadership, Environmental Sustainability and Financial Security.”

The week's agenda aims to strengthen leadership capacities, promote inclusive participation, and build long-term cross-border networks.

  Methodius Iapara, Deputy Director and National Youth Programme Officer, spoke youth leaders at the official opening representing the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

Delegates will engage in a packed schedule featuring leadership workshops, group project development, cultural exchange activities, and tours of key national institutions.

PAYA states the Summit is designed not only to empower youth but also to foster stronger regional ties and amplify the voices of young people in critical Pacific development conversations.

Hosting the event for the first time highlights local youth leadership in the Solomon Islands and deepens collaboration between community organisations, government ministries, and regional partners.

The Summit will continue throughout the week, culminating in the presentation of group project outcomes and the strengthening of a growing Pacific youth network.

Opening Ceremony Dignitaries

The opening ceremony, held at the Honiara Hotel, was attended by:

·       Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Human Development Counsellor, Australian High Commission.

·       Luke Upton, First Secretary, Political, Australian High Commission.

·       Ngina Pina, Senior Program Manager, Political, Australian High Commission.

·       Methodius Iapara, Deputy Director and National Youth Programme Officer, representing the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

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.