Thirty Young Pacific Leaders from 20 Pacific nations have been selected to embark on a journey, highlighting the power of Pacific storytelling through digital media, in March 2026, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Thirty Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) from 20 Pacific nations have been selected to embark on a journey, highlighting the power of Pacific storytelling through digital media.
From March 10-13, 2026, the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) will co-host the YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop, with a focus on truth, transparency and technology in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
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.
Hailing from Fiji, Pita Loloma has been selected to take part in the workshop at Auckland’s International Convention Centre, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions, as well as cultural activities unique to Aotearoa.
The Public Relations Officer for the National Youth Council of Fiji says he is excited about learning more in the digital space, to implement in his role.
“I am passionate about using storytelling and strategic communication to create visibility for youth-led initiatives and to ensure that young voices are represented in decision-making spaces,” Pita says.
Niuean creative director, storyteller and founder of MUSE Retreats and Magazine Julie Cooper, is also joining the YPL cohort, to learn about the role of AI, and other technology-use throughout the Pacific.
“I help women reconnect to their voice, identity, and heritage through creativity and cultural expression,” Julie says.
“I am passionate about amplifying Pacific voices, and blend storytelling, visual arts, and digital innovation to preserve culture while inspiring new generations to lead with authenticity and purpose.”
A proud Blak storyteller, researcher and co-founder of Archive Ples, a platform reimagining Papua New Guinea’s visual and cultural narrative, Lavau Nalu is part of the YPL cohort, who wants to enhance the amplification of indigenous and Pacific peoples’ voices.
Alexia Branch, the US Public Diplomacy Officer based in Auckland, says this group stemming from around the region is talented and vibrant, and willing to learn.
“Their varied backgrounds and knowledge is important to this program’s success as a lot of learning will come from each other as well from our technology experts and established speakers,” Alexia says.
She adds in this fast-changing world, digital stories can be a very powerful tool, to secure traditional cultural heritage, while strengthening and amplifying local voices.
“Leveraging storytelling amid technology 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.”
Natasha Meleisea, Chief Executive Officer of PCBL, says the workshop aligns heavily with the organization’s kaupapa (principles), of promoting story sovereignty and sustainability within the region’s media industry.
“The media professionals we work with are dealing with similar challenges, of changing technology, retaining ownership of their country’s stories, and the specific role those factors play in remaining relevant or a viable business in the current landscape,” Natasha says.
“We are learning at the same time as our YPL cohort , to empower Pacific storytellers while also preserving their cultural heritage.”
The cohort to attend the YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop is:
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Antonnia Singgut (PNG)
- Tebakaboo Burennara (Kiribati)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Cami Diaz Egurrola (Guam)
- Annisha Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jasmine Leota (NZ)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Penina Sua-Loka (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Yoshida (Hawai’i)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia)
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tina Nak (New Caledonia)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Michaela Gaile Gatdula (CNMI)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.
