THE Northern Mariana Islands was represented at the Tiaki Moana 2025 Summit in Maohi Nui, French Polynesia this month. Sheila Babauta and Alex Tudela were selected as part of the Young Pacific Leaders delegation, uplifting the work they do with Friends of the Mariana Trench.
“The summit highlighted the deep history and culture of Indigenous peoples across the Pacific islands, and I learned about conservation efforts across two dozen nations; it was such an empowering space to be in,” said Alex.
The Young Pacific Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program organized by the U.S. Department of State. YPL strengthens connections between emerging leaders across the Pacific, harnessing the incredible potential of youth in the region to address critical challenges and expand opportunities.
“It is critical that we are represented in Pacifika spaces to share our stories and lived realities, to create and deepen relationships, and be in community with activists, leaders, and scholars of our region,” said Sheila Babauta.
Tiaki Moana (to care for the ocean) is an international participatory movement for the protection of the ocean — centering pacific-led marine conservation with equity, accountability, and recognition. This year’s symposium and workshop was dedicated to understanding Marine Other Effective Conservation Measures, bringing together over 25 countries.
Angelo Villagomez, co-founder of the Friends and senior fellow with the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., spoke at the summit and lead the theme on innovation and sustainability.
“Our traditions are the Original Effective Conservation Measures; I hope that the participants from across 25 Pacific nations took what they learned this week and apply it at home.”
