The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) will launch the country’s new National Youth Policy 2017-2030 and a Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands in Honiara next week.
The launching ceremony will take place at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel on Wednesday 22 August, 12noon to 1.30pm.
Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Hon. Rick Houanipwela will deliver the key note address and will launch the documents together with the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Hon. Freda S. Tuki.
The National Youth Policy2017-2030 is the first of the documents from the new 3- tier policy framework for youth development in Solomon Islands. It sets the direction that will guide the Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands (SFFYDSI) and the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship strategy (NYEES).
The MWYCFA’s pursuit of a new 3 tier policy framework for youth development in Solomon Islands exemplifies the government’s commitment to transform the country’s youths and adolescents into effective and positive force for nation building that ensures every young person is given the opportunity to contribute to the social, cultural and economic, political and spiritual development of the country.
The 3 tier policy framework is a product of substantial and comprehensive consultations with many stakeholders including national government ministries, provincial governments, national youth congress, provincial youth councils, youth groups, youths with disabilities, churches, the private sector, state owned enterprises, civil society organisations, community groups, national and international non-government organisations, regional and international organisations and development partners.
The National Youth Policy 2017-2030 provides a guide for the development and empowerment of youths in the country over the next fourteen years – the same timeframe as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a platform for the country’s youths to be good citizens and constructive nation builders.
Meanwhile, the Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands provides a platform for the various stakeholders and partners contributing to Youth development and empowerment in Solomon islands to work together as ‘many partners in one team’ to implement the 3-tier policy framework for YDE and achieve the overarching goal and vision of the National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030.
The Government is committed to pursue appropriate measures to address youth development and empowerment throughout the country.
United Nation Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) is supporting the launching program while UN Women has been providing financial support towards the National and Provincial Youth Dialogues.
Oxfam International has also provided financial support towards the policy’s final validation workshop.
The United Nation Development Program (UNDP) will also launch the Solomon Islands Youth Status Report 2016 during the launching ceremony.
Invitations have been sent to government ministries, development partners and young people.
The National broadcaster, SIBC will do a live coverage of the program.