From L-R: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam YPL alumni Angelo Villagomez, Sheila Babauta, Ashley Hope Castro and Alex Tudela at Mo’orea.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
As a proud Chamorro hailing from Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Alexander Tudela says being a part of the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) initiative and sharing space with other Pacific leaders has been truly eye-opening.
The 23-year-old Project Coordinator at Friends of the Mariana Trench (FOMT) was selected as one of 44 YPL participants, to attend the Tiaki Moana Summit and Workshop focused on ocean health and prosperity, in Pōrīnetia Farāni, in late March.
Following a summit at the Présidence De La Polynésie Française in Papeete, the YPL group left for a three-day workshop in Mo’orea, and a weekend retreat to visit Raʻiātea, the ancestral homeland for many Pacific peoples.
It is the first time Alex has been a participant in YPL, the United States Department of State’s signature initiative to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific.
Not only did he gain valuable insights around ocean health which he can implement into his current role, but he also expanded his knowledge of the Pacific.
“I learned a lot about my fellow Pacific peers, and it was empowering to share space with others from the Pacific, to be immersed in our traditions, and to witness the passion everyone brings to the table,” Alex says.
What stood out for Alex during his time in Pōrīnetia Farāni is local knowledge and practices play a vital role in the global efforts of safeguarding our oceans for future generations.
“We must continue to strive to have our voices be heard and have a seat at the table.”
The YPL experience has inspired Alex to consider pursuing higher education in Pacific Island Studies, while also pushing him to continue learning about his island home’s history and culture.
“As my brother Mananui (Ramsden – YPL participant from Aotearoa New Zealand) wisely said, ‘Be a good ancestor today’.
“This is a powerful reminder I will carry with me as I move forward.”
Alex adds it is a beautiful thing to see so many Pacific island communities come together to tackle shared concerns and issues around the health of our oceans.
“What is needed in the region is collaboration and community and the YPL program makes that possible.”
It is anticipated selected YPL participants will travel to UNOC3 in France, to present preliminary outcomes from Tiaki Moana.
Visit the Tiaki Moana website for more information and the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
