Busan, SOUTH KOREA — Dozens of youth leaders have gathered in Busan for the inaugural US-ROK-Japan Trilateral Global Leadership Youth Summit, which commenced on Thursday. The summit, spanning from July 11 to July 13, aims to nurture potential leaders from the United States, South Korea, and Japan, along with representatives from Indo-Pacific island countries.

Under the agenda of trilateral security, economic and technological cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategy, and expanded civilian exchanges, 50 youths – 15 each from the US, South Korea, and Japan, and five from Indo-Pacific island nations – assembled at APEC House in Busan. Among these promising delegates is Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, one of two Pacific islanders representing the region in this pioneering summit.

Dr. Suluai-Mahuka, the Founder and Executive Director of Finafinau, a nonprofit focused on youth environmental advocacy, was selected for her leadership and dedication to community activism. Her extensive experience as an educator in American Samoa and her involvement in the U.S. State Department's Young Pacific Leaders program further bolstered her candidacy for this prestigious gathering.

As the 1st Chairwoman of the We Are Young Pacific Leaders Alumni Network, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka secured support from the US Embassy in New Zealand to apply for this program. Proudly, she became part of the 1st cohort to become alumni of the inaugural Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL), a group predominantly composed of participants from the US, South Korea, and Japan. As one of the only two Pacific Islanders in this cohort, she felt a deep responsibility to represent Pasifika well. Dr. Suluai-Mahuka expressed gratitude for the cohort's receptiveness to her perspectives and their incorporation of Pacific islands' well-being in their discussions and presentations.

Dr. Suluai-Mahuka was also invited as one of five panelists to speak about her involvement and leadership in the Young Pacific Leaders program. During this session, she not only shared her origin story of community activism but also her personal motto as a mentor: "Be That Person" to embolden, empower, and encourage. This was meaningful as it allowed her to be a beacon of mentorship, promoting community engagement and civic leadership in a room filled not only with her fellow delegates but also with leaders from international spaces.

“Speaking up on behalf of our entire Pacific community is not easy, but I was honored to be in a space to do it and do so with the utmost care,” she shared. Dr. Suluai-Mahuka emphasized the importance of including Pacific islanders in discussions and decision-making processes, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific strategy. She asserted, "Decisions ABOUT the Pacific should not be made WITHOUT the Pacific."

Prior to the summit, participants engaged in four preliminary video training sessions that included online lectures and discussions on security, climate, and economic issues. These sessions aimed to prepare the delegates for the summit's intensive discussions on international issues.

At the summit, the young leaders are expected to use their preliminary training to develop concrete plans addressing global challenges. Through dialogue training with experts, a mock summit, and a presentation competition, participants acquired essential skills and knowledge needed for real-world diplomatic engagement, enhancing their capabilities as international representatives.

“When we come together to think from diverse angles and take practical action to address global issues, we can continue to build peace and prosperity in a globalized world based on the values of freedom and solidarity,” said Education Minister Lee Ju-ho in his opening remarks.

The youth summit follows the historic trilateral summit at Camp David in August last year, where President Yoon Suk Yeol, President Joe Biden, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to establish this youth summit. It marks the first-ever stand-alone summit of leaders from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, underscoring the importance of fostering future leaders who can navigate and strengthen the trilateral partnership.

According to the summit's fact sheet, the event aims to bring together emerging leaders from South Korea, Japan, and the United States to develop global leadership skills and share perspectives on global issues that impact the trilateral relationship. The summit was a collaborative leadership initiative implemented by the East-West Center, with funding and support from U.S. Embassies in Seoul and Tokyo as well as the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. 

Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka concludes this program as an East-West Center alumna, part of the first cohort of the YTL alumni, and earned her second recognition from US President Joe Biden. Her participation highlights the inclusion of Pacific voices and perspectives, emphasizing the critical role of youth leadership in shaping a sustainable and peaceful future.