Climate Action Leaders Selected for 2022 Young Pacific Leaders TechCamp
Auckland, New Zealand: Fifty young leaders from more than 15 nations across the Pacific have been selected to participate in the 2022 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) TechCamp for Climate Action. The United States (U.S.) Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, will host the upcoming in-person workshop October 29-31, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand in conjunction with the Auckland Climate Festival.
During the TechCamp, participants will come together with regional and U.S. leaders in the field of climate science and science communication to identify innovative approaches to combat the climate crisis and drive environmental resilience.
“I am humbled and grateful to be selected as a Hawai’i representative to attend the Young Pacific Leaders TechCamp for Climate Action. I can’t wait to learn what I can do to further assist and serve Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities,” -Alana Wilson, Hawai’i TechCamp Delegate and Lead Researcher for Empowering Pacific Islander Communities under APPI Women Lead.
Alana is one of 50 Young Pacific Leaders selected for the TechCamp. Delegates include representatives from 350 Pacific, Pacific Climate Warriors, Pacific Blue Foundation, Hawaii Green Growth Local 2030 Hub, The Nature Conservancy, the Pacific Community, universities, and various national government ministries.
U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa Thomas Udall says the State Department is really pleased to be able to fund and support the program.
“This is a special and important program to encourage climate action and provide young leaders a chance to share what they are doing in our Pacific region. Following the workshop, TechCamp participants will incorporate learnings and technologies to implement seed grant-funded projects to mobilize climate change stakeholders in their communities.” -U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa Thomas Udall.
The White House noted at the recent first-ever U.S. Pacific Islands Summit Country in Washington D.C. in September 2022 that:
“We will work with the Young Pacific Leaders program to increase opportunities and develop new initiatives to engage young adults across the Pacific region in areas like education, the environment, civic leadership, and economic and social development” – The White House, Pacific Partnership Strategy of the United States, 2022
2022 YPL TechCamp Participants
American Samoa
Cassie Tuineta Mahuka
Australia
Mary Maselina Harm
Caitlyn Baljak
Linh Do
Dominic McCarthy
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Chamorrita Cruz
Fiji
Jovesa Naisua
Raniyah Razia Muhammed
Taitusi Rasoki Dradra
Amelia Caucau
Josevata Lomani
Karan Swadeep Narayan
Varea Fesaitu Romanu
Christian-Yves David Amato-Ali
Gabriel Ratabua
Mere Vukialau Taoi
The Federated States of Micronesia
Caroline Werthog
Yota Pacifico Oue
Guam
Lawrence Jay Miclat Alcairo
Farron Taijeron
Hawaii
Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima
Alana Lehuanani Pilialoha Griep Wilson
Jillian Cristobal
Kiribati
Terikano Nakekea
Tiein Taebo
Kaotitera Rawita
New Caledonia
Malik Oedin
New Zealand
Joshua Peauafi
Mitch Shaw
Heleine Chankay
Maraika Rose Saupo Lidgard
Gloria Grace Harvey
Niue
Inangaro Vakaafi
Papua New Guinea
Faith Angoro
Raylance Mesa
Evangelista Apelis
Vinzealhar Ainjo Nen
Jotham Israel Keleino
Samuel Awayang
Maisy Rachael Lus
Samoa
Tooa Brown
Faauiga Kalapani
Solomon Islands
Kate Waowao
Samson Darcy
Tonga
Eseta Maka-Fonokalafi
Loiloi Otuangu Evadne Latu
Atelina Kailea
Sisilia Tupou Fatafehi Alaimaluloa Ulakai
Vanuatu
Joanna Wari
Ratu Bani
About YPL
Launched in 2013, the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Initiative is the U.S. Government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific. Through programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YPL seeks to build the leadership capabilities of young leaders and strengthen ties between the United States and the Pacific. YPL focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: Education, Environment and Resource Management, Civic Leadership, Economic and Social Development.
TechCamps are a public diplomacy program hosted by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State that provides participants with the chance to learn technical expertise that can be applied to address a variety of global challenges.
The 2022 YPL TechCamp for Climate Action is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is funded through a grant from the U.S. Mission New Zealand. Cultural Vistas serves as the implementing partner.
For additional information, please email TechCamp@CulturalVistas.org.