Papali’i Tony Leota is one of 30 Young Pacific Leaders to attend the upcoming Navigating the digital landscape workshop in Auckland, New Zealand.
Proud Samoan entrepreneur and storyteller Papali’i Togisala Lagimalu Malaoaitu Asaasa Tony Leota (Papali’i) is driven by his dedication to tautua (service) and uplifting rural and remote communities.
Selected as one of 30 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) to attend the upcoming YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop, with a focus on truth, transparency, and technology in Aotearoa New Zealand, Papali’i says his form of storytelling is rooted in tautua in motion.
“Rather than just sharing words, I share impact and by documenting the journey of an initiative—showcasing the reality before, the transformation after, and the sustainable follow-up—I use my platform to prove that every project, big or small, has the power to change a life,” Papali’i says.
Papali’i will join his peers, who hail from 20 countries within the region, to take part in the four-day workshop March 10-13, 2026 in Auckland, hosted by the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), to embark on a journey, highlighting the power of Pacific storytelling through digital media.
As the co-founder of BlueWave Wireless (Samoa’s first locally owned 4G LTE network) and founder of non-profit E3 Samoa Trust, which provides rural communities and marginalized groups with technology access and digital literacy, the digital landscape has always played a pivotal role in the work Papali’i does.
“I have successfully spearheaded several nationwide projects, including the School Connectivity WiFi Project (connecting 120 schools) and the Empower Community Laptop Project (providing 700+ devices),” he explains.
“Additionally, as the President of two farmers’ associations, I lead projects that empower women through chicken farming and drive community development via cocoa planting.
“My ultimate mission is to utilize my expertise to help Samoan youth and the less fortunate gain the skills and knowledge necessary for socio-economic development that leads to a better life.”
Papali’i says the digital landscape has transformed his tautua into a tool for global change
“It is a bridge of visibility that connects remote villages to global opportunities and allows me to turn rural action into visual proof, ensuring that no community is too remote to be seen.
“By using digital platforms, I don’t just tell stories of empowerment—I provide the transparency and follow-up that builds trust, inspires others, and ensures that Samoans win, and our collective livelihood thrives.”
At the March workshop, Papali’i is anticipating gaining a network of Pacific partners who are as committed to rural empowerment as he is.
“My goal is to share my action-based storytelling model to inspire others to prioritize vulnerable communities, while simultaneously absorbing new perspectives that I can implement back home,” he says.
“”Ultimately, I want to foster collaborations that ensure all Pacific people—no matter how remote—have a pathway to a better livelihood.”
Storytelling can take many forms, and the high calibre of successful applicants selected from over 200 candidates for the workshop, have a variety of backgrounds, from media and communications specialists to educators, researchers, health practitioners, digital entrepreneurs and visual artists.
Cohort to attend the March workshop:
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Aritika Burennara (Kiribati)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Camo Diaz Egurrola (Guåhan)
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Clarriann Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Jasmine Leota (Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Michaela Montoya Gatdula (CNMI)
- Ondine Moyatea-Ferdnandez (New Caledonia)
- Dr Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Antonnia Singut (PNG)
- Penina Sua-loa (Samoa)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Toshida (Hawai’i)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.
