BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
NATIONAL leaders and Youth in Honiara will witness the launching of a new National Youth Policy at the Mendana Hotel today.
The National Youth Policy lists three sectors that the country will work upon so that youths will have a better future—Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands and the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship strategy.
The document points out that it is essential that every policy that is implemented considers youths’ needs and it also envisages a youth policy for the next 14 years.
In Solomon Islands, Youth are a significant segment of the population with seven out of 10 Solomon Islanders under 30 years old.
However, obstacles prevent this demographic from fully participating in employment, politics and decision-making.
Now, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs will launch the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy 2017-2030 which will guide the government in efforts to develop and empower the country’s youth.
According to the MWYCFA, the National Youth Policy2017-2030 is the first of the documents from the new 3- tier policy framework for youth development in Solomon Islands.
MWYCFA said such new 3 tier policy framework for youth exemplifies the government’s commitment to transform Solomon Islands youths and adolescents into effective and positive force for nation building.
The document also ensures every young person is given the opportunity to contribute to the social, cultural and economic, political and spiritual development of the country, it said.
The event today will convened PM Rick Houenipwela, Minister for MWYCFA Freda Tuki and his Permanent Secretary Dr Cedrick Alependava and former UNDP Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
UNDP representative, Youth stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations and young people in Honiara will also part of the launching today.
