New York, USA – Solo’mon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing the central role of young people in the country’s social, economic, and political development.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations World Programme of Action for Youth, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, delivered the Pacific Islands Forum statement. He highlighted that over 60 percent of Solomon Islands population is under 30, making youth central to the nation’s development agenda.
Minister Ghemu noted the government’s efforts to empower young people through the National Youth Policy (2017–2030), which aims for “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihoods – Leaving no one behind.”
He also outlined ongoing initiatives, including youth entrepreneurship accelerator programmes in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture, as part of a new three-tier policy framework for youth development.
“Solomon Islands exemplifies the government’s commitment to transform our youths and adolescents into an effective and positive force for nation building. Every young person should have the opportunity to contribute to the social, cultural, economic, political, and spiritual development of our country,” Minister Ghemu said.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including funding coordination, access to quality education and vocational training, rural infrastructure, unemployment, and social and political practices that limit meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.
Turning to the wider Pacific context, Minister Ghemu spoke on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, representing 18 member states.
He noted that Pacific youth have risen as agents of change, exemplified by the landmark climate change advisory initiative led by young law students in Vanuatu.
“This is the power of intergenerational collaboration – shaping the future with youth leadership today,” he said.
The Forum’s Pacific Youth Development Framework (2026–2035), aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, seeks to localize global youth priorities, ensure youth leadership, and foster meaningful participation in shaping the region’s future.
Minister Ghemu concluded with a call for urgent action: “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, Solomon Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum call for a renewed focus on youth empowerment, recognizing young people not as passive recipients of development but as central decision-makers and partners in shaping our future.”