Solomon Islands Youth made considerable strides in the Anti-Corruption Pacific Youth Movement

 

HONIARA, Solomon Islands 19th March – The Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands, hosted over 70 youths, leaders and drivers of change for a workshop that was a significant step forward in the journey towards a Corruption Resilient 2050 Blue Pacific.

Established in 2021 and known as the Pacific Youth Movement, it has established new standards by providing youth voices in the region and a platform to advocate for good governance, integrity, transparency, the right to information, and anti-corruption.

This year, The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office and steadfast support from the UK Government, has provided a structured and sustainable platform for Pacific youths to unpack the Youth Vision, which exists as a regionally documented tool that reflects the youth commitment(s) to shape the futures of not just their own, but the Blue Pacific as well, with their voices, concerns and possible solutions to issues in the region and provides a clear pathway for sustainable and long-term results.

Earlier this year, the USPSA projects team journeyed across the Blue Pacific, from Samoa to Kiribati, Vanuatu, Labasa in Fiji and the Solomon Islands to advance meaningful discussions, advocate and map ways of unpacking the Youth Vision.

Gracing the event as the guest of honour, His Excellency, British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr Thomas Edward Coward, said, “Corruption undermines our abilities to solve our shared challenges” and highlighted the importance of youths and the role they play in the pursuit to eradicate corruption in our Blue Pacific.

“Youths are not some small group; rather, they are the majority, and as youth leaders, you make a crucial difference, and you can make a change as you have the platform, voice and tools that generations before never had”.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia’s presence strengthened the beliefs of the youth that they have the support of their academic leaders in the fight against corruption.

Anti-Corruption movement, as he stated, “Our Youths, since the very first Pacific Youth Summit in 2021, have recognised the need to objectively lay out long-term plans and goals with high levels of priority given to regionally documented tools, such as the Teieniwa Vision and the Biketawa Declaration, assisting in reaching a Corruption Resilient Blue Pacific by 2050. Our Pacific youths must partake in events like today, as it will better shape the Pacific’s future”.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Program Manager/ Specialist Linh–Tra Phuong Bui, while delivering her remarks and presentations, said, “It is only through such cooperative and collaborative ventures that corruption can be eliminated from society, and the Pacific Youth Movement sets an example for the world about regional unity, solidarity and working together to ensure progress against corruption”.

Social Inclusion Adviser, Human Rights and Social Development Division, of The Pacific Community, Ms Gabriella McMahon, during her remarks, informed the participants that “The Pacific Community (SPC) is committed to strengthening its support to youth and youth development across the Blue Pacific. This includes increasing youth’s meaningful engagement and involvement in all facets of decision making at local, national and regional levels.”

The event concluded with remarks from USPSA Solomon Islands Vice-President Mr Abel Wanesuia, who thanked his fellow youths for turning up in numbers and contributing to the high-level engagement and discussions on anti-corruption.

 

USP Chat Service
Lets start: