Applications are now open for the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Navigating the digital landscape for storytelling advocacy workshop, in Auckland, during March 2026.
Storytelling through digital media is a very powerful tool in a fast-changing world.
Throughout the Pacific, it plays a part in securing traditional cultural heritage, while strengthening and amplifying local voices.
In March 2026, the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) will host the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Navigating the digital landscape for storytelling advocacy workshop, in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The YPL program serves as US Government’s signature initiative to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific.
For over a decade, YPL has built leadership capabilities of youth in the region, while deepening ties between the US and the Pacific.
Acting Senior Public Affairs Officer at the US Mission to New Zealand Alexia Branch says this strengthening of ties between the US and other Pacific countries happens through engagements, hosted across the region, and focusing on topics young people see as critical, including education, environment and resource management, civic leadership, economic and social development.
“The Pacific region is rich, vibrant, and powerful yet it faces new challenges from fast-changing technology, artificial intelligence, and transparency in digital media, directly impacting economic prosperity and security,” Alexia says.
“While technology continues to advance and change rapidly, leveraging storytelling amid these changes remains as a way strengthen connections, share information, and safeguard the region’s future.
“The ability to navigate the digital world is essential for leaders of today and the future.”
The workshop will bring together selected current and emerging Pacific leaders (aged 25–40) from across the region for a virtual component, followed by the workshop, where travel, accommodation, and meals are covered.
Implementing partner PCBL will host the workshop, which Executive Business Partner and YPL alumnus Nathan Fraser says will help develop leadership skills in storytelling advocacy and explore the various forms it can take.
“Storytelling can be anything — from cooking to coding, painting to product design, wakas to writing,” Nathan says.
“Our focus of the workshop is to enhance modern tools by leveraging the unique and varied Pacific experience to ensure storytelling endures for future generations.
“This workshop naturally aligns with PCBL’s emphasis on storytelling and amplifying the Pacific voice beyond the coral reef.”
Applications for the workshop are now open and will close at 11:59pm on October 17, 2025 (NZT). Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants must be available to take part in the entirety of the program, including:
- Pre-workshop virtual activities (January-March 2026).
- Four-day in-person workshop (plus travel days) in Auckland, New Zealand (March 9-14, 2026, including travel).
- Post-workshop online activities (March-April 2026).
- Final virtual meet-up (April 2026).