BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Cathy Nori has encouraged youths to be champions and leaders in sustainable development.
She gave the encouragement whilst speaking as the guest speaker at a trade fair organised by youths from Central Guadalcanal constituency themed “Communities for Sustainability Eco-Tourism and Development Fair”.
Nori stressed that they are gathered at a critical time where our nation and in particular, youths, face significant socio-economic challenges.
“We all see, when we look around, we see a lot of youths in this country, 70% of our population in this country is youth, and that youth is the age between 15 and 34 years old,” she said.
In this regard, she shared an important message to the youths of Central Guadalcanal.
“You are ready to be architects of your future. You are champions of your culture and leaders in sustainable development. It is with utmost pride that I say this,” said Nori.
She also stated that Central Guadalcanal is the economic heartbeat of our nation.
Nori added that Central Guadalcanal is not only host to our international airport but also caters to other developments like the Tina Hydro Project, forestry and mining.
She pointed out there is vast agricultural potential for this constituency highlighting the trade fair as one example.
“The trade fair is one platform that can show the incredible richness of Central Guadalcanal to the country and the world.
“It is also about connecting our vital national industries with the grassroots innovation of the community, said Nori.
She voiced that it is also about connecting our vital national industries with the grassroots innovation of the community.
“So, we are here to celebrate everything that makes this constituency unique. From our cultural heritage, all the activities that we are doing, weaving, the custom stories, and the tatalonga. And to our entrepreneurial spirit and our breathtaking ecotourism sites from Parangiju,” said Nori.
In further remarks, she voiced that the most inspiring part about the trade fair is it being a youth centered initiative.
“To you, the young leaders of this event, we would like to acknowledge the hard work of the youth.
“I understand you have a committee. And I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the youth,” said the minister.
