Empower the next generation of Pacific leaders to shape a new era.

“I’m always passionate to motivate, empowered, and advocate for young people,” said Oliva Baro, Officer of the Ecumenical Enabler Youth Engagement and Empowerment Program.

The Pacific Conference of Churches is committed to fulfilling its mission and vision by working towards a safer society, with a particular focus on empowering young leaders to become the future leaders of tomorrow.

The PCC operates through collaboration with member churches across the Pacific region. Oliva Baro emphasized that this partnership sets their work differences, as it is rooted in faith and biblical teachings. She believes that without the foundation of faith, their efforts to empower youth in the Pacific would not have reached the level of success they have achieved today.

Starting in November, the Ecumenical Enabler Youth Engagement and Empowerment Program will be hosting a program call the Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders’ Summit. The event will gather young people from across the Pacific, especially youth from Australia, including the ones that diaspora to Australia. For this event the Micah Australia and the Pacific Conference of Churches are the key sponsors backing the initiative, Baro said.       

Caption: Olivia Baro, Youth Engagement and Empowerment Program Officer for the Pacific Conference of Churches. Picture: Milinia Katonitabua

“We work tirelessly to ensure that young people have the opportunity to participate and share their opinions in every program we conduct,” said Oliva Baro. She emphasized that her department is committed to making sure youth voices are heard and recognized. “It’s not enough to simply have young people present at certain events without their voices being acknowledged and valued,” Baro added.

With that, Oliva Baro highlighted the challenge her department faces due to a lack of resources, particularly when organizing events or programs aimed at empowering young people. “Despite the limited resources, we’ve been doing our best to make the most of what we have, but there is still much more that needs to be done,” she said.

For that, The Ecumenical Enabler Youth Engagement and Empowerment Department aims to cultivate empowered young individuals who are committed to influencing their communities. This initiative prioritizes helping youth understand key issues and become effective advocates for change.

Baro urged the Pacific region to acknowledge the vital roles of young people, not just as future leaders but as current leaders in their own ways. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential of youth and investing in their development in order we can all create a better future for tomorrow.