Micronesian diplomat John Perman Taman Jr. attended the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Annual Conference organized by the U.S. Department of State in Koror, Palau from June 9-12, 2025. The conference focused on civic engagement, environmental management, education, and economic development. Participants engaged in seminars and workshops to enhance their leadership skills and strengthen ties with emerging leaders in the Pacific.
The event included delegates and alumni mentors from various regions including Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna. U.S. partners from American-affiliated Pacific regions such as American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Hawai’i also participated.
Reflecting on his participation in the program Taman Jr. said: “The YPL program reignited my passion to serve people. YPL introduced me to a network of young leaders whose diverse experiences and perspectives challenged and expanded my understanding of leadership across the Pacific. Moving forward I am committed to ensuring that people’s voices guide my work.”
Dennis Coster from the U.S. Embassy emphasized: “This initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to equipping young leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through these efforts we are also supporting the overall growth and stability of the Pacific region. This makes America and our partners stronger and more prosperous.”
Young leaders from Micronesia aged twenty to thirty-five can join the YPL network for free at tinyurl.com/fsmypl for updates on educational exchanges regional exchanges leadership programs and funding opportunities.