HILO, HAWAI’I – October 18, 2025 – H.E. Hilda C. Heine delivered the keynote address at the 12th Annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) Conference held at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.
This year’s conference, themed “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails,” brought together Pacific youth, educators, and community leaders to strengthen pathways for education, mentorship, and empowerment across the region.
President Heine opened her remarks by extending gratitude to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, the Hawai‘i Department of Education, local leaders, and all those who continue to champion Pacific youth development. She also gave special recognition to her longtime mentor, Dr. Craig Severance, for his early support in helping Micronesian students adjust to life and studies abroad.
Bringing warm greetings of “Iokwe” from the people and Government of the Marshall Islands, President Heine expressed deep appreciation to the PacYES organizers for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Pacific leaders.
“It is inspiring to see so many young people here today; your presence is proof of how vital PacYES is in creating pathways for Pacific youth through mentorship, practical training, and opportunities that lead to education and careers,” said President Heine.
In her keynote, President Heine reflected on the shared history, resilience, and interconnectedness of Pacific peoples through the ocean that binds their islands together. She spoke of the challenges faced by low-lying atoll nations like the Marshall Islands, which remain on the frontlines of climate change, and shared how these vulnerabilities have also shaped strength, innovation, and deep cultural wisdom.
President Heine also recounted the painful legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and how her nation continues to seek truth, justice, and healing. Yet, she underscored the enduring spirit of the Marshallese people and their leadership in global advocacy for climate action and resilience.
Highlighting a powerful example of youth leadership, she commended Pacific law students from the University of the South Pacific whose advocacy helped lead to the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion on states’ legal obligations to prevent climate harm.
Addressing the youth directly, President Heine urged them to continue learning, organizing, and speaking up for their communities and causes they believe in. Drawing from her own upbringing on Jaluit Atoll and her educational journey abroad, she reminded students that leadership grows where opportunity meets preparation.
President Heine shared a traditional Marshallese story of Liktanur and Jebro — a tale of humility, wisdom, and the transformative power of compassion. She used the story to highlight the role of women as navigators, teachers, and leaders at the heart of Pacific societies.
“Big moves start with small steps. No cap.” President Heine concluded on a lighthearted note, encouraging PacYES youths to take what they learn at PacYES and apply it at home and in their communities.
President Heine’s message of empowerment, resilience, and unity resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the importance of youth-led action across the Pacific in addressing today’s global challenges and building a sustainable future.
