Empowering young people to have a voice and developing their skills to make positive change for their countries and the world is what the Young Pacific Leaders Sustainable Development that started this morning at the Grand Pacific Hotel, is all about.
The event that is hosted by the US Embassy, will run for the next three days.
While officiating at the opening ceremony this morning, U.S. Embassy's Regional Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Fitzmaurice says she is passionate about developing the young leaders to be the change for their respective countries and communities.
Fitzmaurice says the YPL initiative has grown tremendously since its first conference in 2013.
She says the YPL initiative now is more than just a program but it is a movement that connects people across the Pacific, providing them with the knowledge, networks and opportunities to tackle the challenges that the Pacific region faces.
She adds this workshop is not designed to only deeper the participants’ understanding of sustainable development, but also to support them in developing their leadership skills and expanding their networks.
Fitzmaurice says the work that can be done by these young leaders will be a testament to the shared commitment of empowering young leaders in shaping the future of the Pacific.
The 3-day workshop was opened with a traditional welcoming ceremony for Fitzmaurice.
It will conclude on Thursday.
