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“We are not merely casting away the old, but we are embracing new and unconventional ways of inclusion, collaboration, and support.”
Tahere Siisiialafia-Mau, Chairperson of the Pacific Youth Council (PYC) executive board, delivered a powerful message that set the tone during the opening ceremony of the PYC’s week-long convening in Nadi, Fiji.
In collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Youth Council (PYC) is proud to announce the Convening of the Pacific Youth Council, themed "Toe Timata Le Ūpega – Cast the Net Anew”.Inspired by the Samoan proverb, the theme underscores the essence of reflecting, refreshing, and resetting the direction of PYC as a vital youth-led development stakeholder in the region. It serves as an opportunity to strengthen the links with National Youth Councils (NYCs) and youth-affiliated organisations across the blue Pacific in reaffirming commitments to address the evolving needs of Pacific youth.
The convening will see the 7th General Assembly of the Pacific Youth Council, providing an opportunity to elect, welcome and induct new executive board members. It also brings together youth representatives from 14 Pacific Island countries to reflect upon their collective journey, evaluate our progress, and chart a course for the future of youth in the Pacific.
During the opening ceremony, the Honorable Jese Saukuru, Minister for Youth and Sports of the Government of Fiji, stated:
“Despite the challenges, I am confident in the resilience, creativity, and potential of our youth. By working together, sharing experiences and insights, and harnessing the power of our diversity, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead”.
Miles Young, Director of Human Rights and Social Development at the Pacific Community (SPC) explained:
“This week is about harnessing your capabilities to address the issues that you face as Pacific Youth and recognising that the issues facing Pacific Youth can only be effectively addressed if – and only if – you are at the forefront of working through the solutions.”
“We are not merely casting away the old; we are embracing new and unconventional ways of inclusion, collaboration, and support,” said Tahere.
SPC is the custodian of the Pacific Youth Development Framework (PYDF) 2014- 2023, launched by Pacific Ministers for Youth in Noumea in 2013. The PYDF was a response to calls from young people and their partners and stakeholders for greater support for the implementation of countries’ youth policies and to address barriers to progress. It was developed for the purpose of increasing and coordinating investments in Pacific youth across development sectors and was designed to be a collaborative effort between SPC and the Pacific Youth Council (PYC). SPC has recently undertaken a review of the PYDF as it moves to develop a new framework and an aligned accountability mechanism for youth development across the Pacific. This convening will include transformative dialogues, capacity-building workshops, and strategic planning sessions aimed at advancing the shared vision of empowered and active Pacific youth leaders.
The Australian Government through Pacific Women Lead at SPC and USAID through Project Governance at SPC are supporting the convening being held from 29 April – 3 May.
