BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
THE Commonwealth’s Youth Index ranks Solomon Islands 76th globally for youth political participation and 70th in terms of youth civic participation.
This is out of the globes 195 countries.
This was revealed by the United Nation Development Programme Solomon Islands Country Manager Ms Azusa Kubota during the launching of Solomon Islands Youth Status Report 2018.
Kubota said if the nation wants to boost its economy, foster positive change and meet the 17 SDGs which are aimed at bringing prosperity to all by 2030; then it must engage youth politics and youth civic participation.
She said youth in Solomon Islands face similar challenges to their counterparts across the region such as lack of access to equality and affordable education and health services, unemployment and various types of discrimination.
“Youth have identified problems that hinder progress in their own communities but they have also come up with solutions to those problems using their experience, knowledge and fresh ideas,” she adds.
Kubata said UNDP under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Project in Solomon Islands is currently working to provide platforms for dialogue and empowerment to help youth across the country act as agent of change.
Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Freda Tuki said as Solomon Islands embarks on the new set of SDGs and national development strategy, it is important to recognise young people’s role as key stakeholders in achieving these goals.
She said today’s young generation will inherit and drive the future development of Solomon Islands.
On Wednesday, August 22, UNDP launched a Solomon Islands Youth Status Report 2018 which describes the challenges to youth participation in Solomon Islands.
Also proposes means of inclusion from the community to the national level.
The report was compiled by Dr Anouk Ride.
