• Loretta Dilu, an academic and researcher in strategic management from Papua New Guinea, completed the 2024 UNITAR Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security programme.
• Despite having little prior knowledge of the topic, Loretta was among the top performers who advanced to the final phase of the training programme, thanks to her dedication and exceptional performance.
• One of Loretta’s key takeaways from the training was the power of collective action. After the UNITAR programme, she initiated a lake restoration project that not only benefits the environment but also empowers local communities.
• Loretta recognizes that environmental challenges require collective solutions and encourages individuals to believe in their ability to create positive change.

Loretta is an academic and researcher in Papua New Guinea. Specializing in strategic management, she has always sought to apply insights from her studies to make meaningful contributions to society. When she learned about the UNITAR training programme, which emphasizes the role of research in addressing critical sea and human security challenges, she was immediately drawn to it and applied without hesitation.

The 2024 UNITAR Sea and Human Security training programme ran from July 2024 to February 2025. Its goal was to equip participants from the Asia-Pacific region with the skills to address pressing sea and human security challenges through practical solutions and to foster regional collaboration. The programme, supported by the Government and People of Japan, began with an online phase, where over 900 participants enrolled in an asynchronous learning platform and webinar series.

Coming from her background in strategic management, Loretta had little exposure to the concept of sea and human security. However, rather than being discouraged by this unfamiliarity, she embraced the opportunity to expand her knowledge. What resonated with her the most was the profound interconnection between humans, the environment, animals and plants.

I learned … that the world we live in – humans, the environment, plants and animals – are all … interconnected. No matter what we do on land, it affects the ocean. —Loretta Dilu, researcher and UNITAR alumna, Papua New Guinea

Loretta’s dedication and enthusiasm in the online phase set her apart, earning her a place in the second phase – a regional workshop held in Nadi, Fiji, in October 2024. Travelling abroad for the first time, she was captivated by the opportunity to engage with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds. 

One of the most memorable experiences for her was the study tour to Viseisei Village, where participants learned about the village’s efforts to sustain its natural resources in the face of climate-related hazards, including rising sea levels, while collaboratively working towards sustainable economic development. She was particularly impressed by how well the community was organized, built on strong communication and collaboration between village chiefs and residents.

Having completed eight months of intensive training, Loretta is ready to transform the insights she gained into practical solutions. Inspired by microplastic fieldwork during the Japan workshop, Loretta designed a wetland conservation project aimed at restoring and preserving polluted local lakes. The project will improve lake hygiene by collecting and recycling marine litter. She actively involves youth in this initiative to expand the project’s reach and empower local communities to take ownership of their environment.

Loretta will also continue her research and publication work, through which she aims to influence policy to address critical social issues in her country.

The skills I gained from this programme will greatly enhance my ability to write policy briefs and conduct research to tackle issues in my country. —Loretta Dilu, researcher and UNITAR alumna, Papua New Guinea

Recognizing the significance of sea and human security, Loretta encourages people to believe in their ability to drive positive change. She emphasizes that collective efforts, no matter how small, can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

You have to believe in yourself and be determined in whatever you do. We all have the potential to address the environmental challenges we face, and it requires everyone’s contribution, regardless of background or experience. —Loretta Dilu, researcher and UNITAR alumna, Papua New Guinea