Honiara, Solomon Islands – The UN Development Programme and International Labor Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands, have transferred 20 youth caucuses from the grassroots at the community level to the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress. These youth caucuses have now become an integral part of the National Youth Congress and will function under its provincial branches, the Provincial Youth Councils.

With the aim to empower youth, prevent conflict and sustain peace at community and provincial levels, back in 2019, UNDP has joined forces with the Government to establish and operationalize more than 20 youth caucuses in three target provinces of Solomon Islands including Guadalcanal, Western and Malaita provinces.

Throughout the project period, more than 500 young leaders were engaged in training programmes on governance and leadership, peacebuilding and gender equality, youth entrepreneurship and innovation to impact the development and peacebuilding in their communities.    

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Dr Cedric Alependava, the Permanent Secretary, highlighted the significant role of youth in shaping and sustaining peace efforts said, “Today’s generation of young people is a major force for country’s sustainable development – and their wellbeing and meaningful participation is fundamental to achieving a just and peaceful future for all.”

“I am grateful to our development partner UNDP for the continuous support towards achieving what we witness here today. When we support and empower our youth, we drive growth, development and positive change in Solomon Islands communities.”

Dr Cedric Alependava, further encouraged development partners to continue working with the government in the same direction as "when we unite our youth, we unite our nation."

“Youth is important because young people have strong values of tolerance and social cohesion,” Mr. Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Country Manager in Solomon Islands, emphasized.

“UNDP strongly believes in the power of young people and is firmly committed to continuing to invest in their leadership and positive contribution to sustainable development and peace,” Mr. Berdiyev added.

Enhancing youth participation in peacebuilding through establishment of youth caucuses is part of the Empowering Youth as Agents for Peace and Social Cohesion in the Solomon Islands Project which is being implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands and International Labor Organization with the financial support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.[EM1] [AT2]

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Anastasiia Tiurmenko, Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, anastasiia.tiurmenko@undp.org, +677 27 446/ +677 747 21 29