Future Leaders of the Pacific Conference

Day 3 of the conference, the delegates attended a field trip to the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

The ‘Future leaders of The Pacific’ conference will be in Pago Pago, America Samoa, from February 4th to 7th.

In collaboration with the East West Centre, the conference will host young leaders from each of the sixteen PIF nations to discuss trends, issues, and opportunities for collective regional action. The conference will be more than seminars and topical debate, it will be a material opportunity for these community leaders from around the Pacific to gather, discuss critical problems facing their people and environment, and plan for a whole of region approach to these difficulties.

Topical issues at the 'Future Leaders' conference, such as women’s empowerment, climate change, sea bed mining and non-communicable diseases will be guided by speakers from the East West Centre and dignitaries throughout the Pacific. Senior representatives from Honolulu, Dr. Allen Clark, Dr. Victoria Keener and Dr. Jerry Finin will facilitate discussions on resource development climate change. His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, a leading authority on Samoan culture and language, will be the key note speaker. Over the three days guest lectures will be followed by intense workshops, all to reach a goal to turn these fresh perspectives into policy recommendations, and to give these astounding youth an opportunity to present their findings to the leaders of the PIF in Majuro, Marshall Islands in September 2013.

Missions New Zealand and Samoa, in partnership with the East West Centre and the Government of American Samoa, jointed hosted the Future Leaders of the Pacific Conference (#FPL13) in Pago Pago, America Samoa, from February 4th to 7th.

The conference brought together young leaders from each of the sixteen Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) nations to discuss trends, issues, and opportunities for collective regional action.  More than just a collection of seminars and topical debate, the conference was a material opportunity for these community leaders of the Pacific to gather, discuss critical problems facing their people and environment, and plan for a whole of region approach to these address these challenges.

Topical issues at the 'Future Leaders' conference, such as women’s empowerment, climate change, sea bed mining and non-communicable diseases were guided by speakers from the East West Centre and dignitaries from throughout the Pacific.  His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, a leading authority on Samoan culture and language, served as the key note speaker.  Other distinguishes speakers included U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa David Huebner, the Premier of Niue Toke Talangi, Dr. Sitiveni Halapua Member of Parliament, Kingdom of Tonga, and senior representatives from the East West Centre including Dr. Allen Clark, Dr. Victoria Keener and Dr. Jerry Finin.  

Over three program days, guest lecturers were followed by intense workshops, with the goal of turning fresh perspectives into policy recommendations.  Selected delegates from #FPL13 will have an opportunity to present findings to Pacific leaders at the upcoming September 2013 PIF in Majuro, Marshall Islands.  

Where: Pago Pago, American Samoa

When: Feb 4 2013 (All day) - Feb 7 2013 (All day)

Latest News:

February 9:
- Summary from the final day of the conference.
- Photos from final day. 

February 8:
- Summary from Day 3 of the conference.
- Photos from Day 3.

February 7:
- Press Release: Future Pacific leaders meet in American Samoa.

February 5:
- Summary from Day 2 of the conference.
- Photos from Day 2.

February 4:
- Summary from Day 1 of the conference.
- Photos from Day 1.

February 4:
- Samoans off to Future Leaders Conference in Pago Pago - February 2013.

Find out more:

Twitter: @DavidHuebner, @USEmbassyNZ, @USEmbassySamoa - hashtag  #FPL13

Facebook: facebook.com/samoa.usembassy

Ambassador’s Blog: blogs.newzealand.usembassy.gov

FlickR: FlickR Conference Collection.