Young Adventist leaders learn and lead on Pacific issues

Canberra, ACT – Representatives of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) joined other young people from across Australia and Pacific nations to exploring key challenges confronting Pacific communities and advocating for greater Australian government leadership and support in the region. Hosted in Canberra from 21 to 28 November, the Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders’ Summit (PAELS) was coordinated by Micah Australia, a coalition of Christian justice and development agencies, of which ADRA Australia is a part.

Both from Melbourne, Sarah Nicholas and Sonniah Waiyo were sponsored by ADRA Australia and ADRA Victoria in their PAELS participation. They were joined by Mal Naseli, an Adventist church member from Adelaide, who represented a Samoan community organisation, and Adventist pastor Moe Stiles, pastor of Crosswalk Melbourne, who served as a mentor to the group.

“It was a privilege to witness young First Nations and Pacific Island leaders stand in solidarity with each other, courageously advocating on issues affecting our region,” said Pastor Stiles.

According to Pastor Stiles, the briefings, consultation, and advocacy focused on three key areas of Pacific issues—social challenges, climate crises, and ongoing questions of colonisation and sovereignty. Participants met with ministers and shadow ministers for foreign affairs, Pacific issues and international development, as well as their elected representatives, the Governor General and High Commissioners from a number of Pacific nations.

“This summit has been running for the past four years, and I have been involved since its inception,” explained Mr Naseli. “Speaking to members of parliament can be such a daunting task, but I love the opportunity to speak out for my brothers and sisters of the Pacific. It is quite empowering representing our people.”

“Conversations with ministers across the summit took place in a way that was open, respectful and with genuine interest in the lived realities of First Nations and Pacific families,” added Ms Nicholas. “This experience reminded me that leadership is service. My conviction to keep advocating for safer homes, safer communities and a safer future has expanded tenfold.”

Working in conjunction with the Pacific Council of Churches, PAELS seeks to build greater connection between Pacific, Pasifika diaspora and First Nations communities. “I think it is important for people living in Australia to actively seek and listen to the stories of our people in the Pacific and here in Australia,” explained Mr Naseli. “When we listen and understand others, we can see the needs of our people and advocate for change.”

Ms Nicholas met her local member of parliament and intends to keep working with him to address issues in her community. “Our families are dealing with real challenges,” she said, “so our advocacy doesn’t finish when the summit ends.”

According to Mr Naseli, his PAELS experience has helped him embrace his cultural identity as a Samoan Australian, as well as grow in his understanding and practise of faith. “God calls us to serve in the spaces He puts us in and I am grateful that PAELS is part of mine,” he said.

“Throughout the summit, it was powerful to see young leaders embrace and celebrate culture as the launchpad for their leadership and advocacy, grounding their calls for change in identity, connection, and hope for the future,” reflected Pastor Stiles.

This article was written by Nathan Brown for the Adventist Record.