Nauru represented at tri-annual pacific youth assembly
Members of the Nauru National Youth
Council (NNYC) represented Nauru at the tri-annual Pacific Youth
Council (PYC) General Assembly held in Nadi, Fiji, 29 April - 3
May.
The meeting is a key step in the
lead up to the Pacific Youth Ministers meeting in September where
the outcomes document incorporating the key priorities and action
plans will be presented.
NNYC Vice President Ginette Teabuge
and General Secretary Ankemwi Garoa joined over 40 representatives
from National Youth Councils (NYCs), and affiliated organisations
across 14 Pacific Island countries.
The opening ceremony featured
traditional Fijian protocols and remarks from dignitaries including
Fiji's Minister for Youth and Sports Jesse Saukuru, SPC Director of
Human Rights and Social Development Miles Young, and the outgoing
PYC Chairperson Tahere Siisiialafia.
Discussions focused on critical
issues affecting Pacific youth. Key topics included youth
partnerships, the roles and responsibilities of youth councils,
good governance practices, fostering youth participation,
strengthening youth institutions, collaborative negotiations with
development partners, and developing a strategic framework for the
PYC.
In a historic move for regional
representation, the PYC General Assembly elected Mr. Mahoney Mori
from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as its new Chair.
This marks the first time a leader from the subregion of Micronesia
would hold the chairmanship.
In an interview with the Pacific
Community (SPC) Mr Mori said "Pacific youth today are the most
progressive, open-minded, well-versed in technology and passionate
agents of change".
"As change is imperative to the
development of our Blue Pacific, investing in young people will
ensure an inclusive and collective strength founded on the wisdom
of culture, the commitment and pride in working together, and the
zeal to act today for a prosperous tomorrow," Mr Mori said.
The Nauru and Kiribati National
Youth Councils, although initially contested the position of Chair,
withdrew their bids for the top job in the spirit of solidarity and
nominated Mr Mori instead, who was unanimously elected
thereafter.
Baniti Semilota of the Republic of
Kiribati was elected as the new PYC general secretary. This
achievement signifies another milestone for both Micronesia and
women in leadership in the PYC.
The Nauru youth council extended
its warm congratulations to Mr Mori, Ms Semilota and the other
board members on their new roles in the PYC.
The NNYC reaffirms its commitment
to supporting the PYC in achieving its goals for a brighter future
for young people across the region.
While the NNYC will remain
committed to supporting the PYC in achieving its goals with the new
leadership, it also recognises the importance of strengthening its
foundation at the national level first.
The NNYC plans to focus on updating
and redrafting its constitution in the near future, to better
reflect its current needs and context, as well as ensuring
accountability and inclusion.
ENDS///