Kenley Rudimch-Kenneth of Palau says meetings, such as the Young Trilateral Leaders Summit he recently attended, help to break down borders. Photo credit: US Embassy Japan.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications
Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) alumnus Kenley Rudimch-Kenneth of Palau says meetings, such as the Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit he recently attended, help to break down borders.
“In a world so often divided by borders and agendas, networks like Young Pacific Leaders (YPL), Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), and YTL remind us that shared purpose and friendship across oceans can be the most powerful form of diplomacy,” the 25-year-old says.
All three programs – YTL, YPL, and YSEALI – are US Department of State initiatives, which highlights the U.S. willingness to partner with countries throughout Asia Pacific.
Kenley attended the YTL Summit in Osaka, Japan, in July, representing the YPL initiative, and the Pacific region.
He joined participants from Japan, South Korea, and the United States for the Summit, which aimed to foster deeper youth dialogue and cooperation between these countries, and the wider Asia Pacific region.
“It aimed to strengthen trilateral ties and shared leadership in addressing regional and global challenges—from diplomacy, technology and AI to inclusive development,” Kenley explains.
For Kenley, a former Fellow of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), who has also served as an Assistant Ocean and Climate Adviser at Palau’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, says the Summit reaffirmed the power of youth diplomacy in driving positive change and building bridges across cultures.
“It was a platform for co-creating policy ideas, especially around education and regional peacebuilding,” he says.
“The Summit strengthened my understanding of Japan’s foreign policy priorities in the Indo-Pacific and how they intersect with Pacific-led development goals, and reinforced the idea that youth inclusion in policymaking is not optional—it is essential.”
Kenley says the program began with a powerful taiko drum performance at Osaka Convention Center, which set the tone for a culturally grounded and high-energy gathering.
“It was a symbolic and unforgettable opening that highlighted Japan’s rich heritage and spirit of unity.
“We heard from a range of distinguished leaders and diplomats, who shared valuable insights on international cooperation, leadership, and diplomacy including Aaron Snipe, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Tokyo; Matt Wilson, President and Dean, Temple University Japan Campus; Katsumi Matsushiro, Director, Osaka Liaison Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; and Jason Cubas, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe.”
Young leaders in attendance stemmed from diverse sectors across the YPL and YSEALI Programs, he adds.
“Joining a YPL alumnus, I had the opportunity to connect with peers who are actively shaping their communities and regions.
“The Trilateral Youth Summit is critical for elevating youth voices in foreign policy spaces, building empathy and mutual understanding across borders and creating long-term regional partnerships rooted in trust, respect, and shared values.”
During the Summit, Kenley’s Pitch Group introduced an innovative digital storytelling initiative, Project Hana – a trilateral youth story bank – which brings stories from young leaders and empowers young voices to share narratives on regional cooperation.
Additionally, YPL and YSEALI representatives were given the opportunity to speak on a special panel, which focused on empowering young leaders
“During this panel, Mary Harm (fellow YPL alumna) and I were able to highlight the importance of d safeguarding our culture and tradition,” Kenley says.
Reflecting on the Summit, he says the experience strengthened his commitment to regional leadership, collaboration, and solidarity.
“Events like these are more than symbolic—they are catalysts for action, equipping the next generation to co-lead on global issues with creativity and care.
“I hope to integrate more collaboration between the YPL, YSEALI, and YTL programs.”
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders, Young Trilateral Leaders, and Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative websites for more information on the US Department of State programs.
