Young Pacific Leader from Kiribati Rooti Kanee knows true influence starts with a seat at the table.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) alumna Rooti Kanee knows true influence starts with a seat at the table.
The 35-year-old Deputy Director of Immigration for Kiribati’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says she would like to become more well-rounded and articulate in her chosen field, so she can have a positive impact on her island nation, and the Pacific region.
“Mastery and credibility are essential before driving change,” Rooti says.
“I am currently working in border security…and play a key role in policy discussions and implementation.
“I have previously served as Assistant Secretary across several key ministries, including Education, Justice, and Culture.”
Diplomacy and global politics have always fascinated her, Rooti adds.
“I’m particularly drawn to how prominent actors, individuals or groups navigate theories and power dynamics across local, regional, and global stages,” she says.
A past participant of YPL, the Unoted States Government’s signature program to strengthen networking and leadership in the Pacific, Rooti will join 11 of her peers for the YPL Alumni Roadshow in the US, from September 13-30, 2025.
The Roadshow will visit New York City, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles, where the YPL cohort will meet with existing and potential stakeholders, to expand networks, identify and create opportunities for US participants and stakeholders, as well as showcase the impact of the initiative and its alumni in the region.
Throughout July and August, the YPL cohort has been participating in a virtual leadership program, looking at collaboration, advocacy, and raising awareness of the Pacific region.
Rooti is looking forward to networking with experts in disaster planning, crisis response, and sustainable security strategies during the Roadshow.
“I’m especially eager to learn about US priorities and its approach to engagement in the Pacific,” she adds.
“Ideally, I’d love to secure a three-to-six-month training opportunity in security and strategy to deepen my expertise.”
Rooti was first selected for a YPL Conference in Guam, two years ago.
“There I met incredible people – grounded, intelligent, and open-minded,” she says.
“Their passion, and the wisdom they shared, even in casual conversations, was deeply inspiring.”
“The YPL initiative connects rising leaders from across the Pacific region who share similar challenges and creates a space for open dialogue and channels our collective insights to experts,” Rooti continues.
“They then speak, provide training and opportunities to explore for professional development.
“The YPL network is a catalyst for both personal and regional progress.”
Rooti has a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to grow alongside such driven peers, she says.
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
