The STEMtastic Adventures! with Young Pacific Leaders Symposium, held from 9–11 September 2025 at Fiji National University’s Namaka Campus, brought together over 130+ policymakers, educators, innovators, and youth from across the Pacific. Supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Young Pacific Leaders program and co-hosted by Fiji National University, the University of the South Pacific, and the mEducation Alliance, the event promoted collaboration on STEM access, digital technologies, climate, gender equity, and youth entrepreneurship.

The opening day featured a vibrant cultural welcome, remarks from U.S. Ambassador Marie C. Damour and FNU Vice Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, and breakout sessions on digital learning, gender equity, and accessibility. Day two explored climate education, AI, and youth innovation, with highlights such as the Pacific Dataviz Challenge and #InspirationSTEMGirls plenary featuring women leaders advancing STEM opportunities across the region.

The final day combined reflection and connection through sessions on AI, foundational learning, and teacher empowerment. Participants joined a “Networking in the Wild” excursion at the Garden of the Sleeping Giants and concluded with a screening of Ocean with David Attenborough. The symposium celebrated the creativity and leadership of Pacific youth and educators, reinforcing a shared commitment to an inclusive and innovative STEM future.