Bougainville Youth Federation Chairman Joins UN Women Peace and Security Summit Panel

BYF Chairman Joseph Jnr Pais

The Chairman of the Bougainville Youth Federation, Mr. Joseph Jnr. Pais, was among the key panelists at the UN Women Peace and Security Summit held at the Arawa Urban Youth Centre on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Representing the voice of young people in Bougainville, Mr. Pais contributed to critical discussions centered on youth inclusion, gender equality, and sustainable peace in the region. His participation underscored the growing recognition of young leaders as key stakeholders in shaping Bougainville’s future.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, Mr. Pais emphasized the importance of empowering young people to actively participate in peace-building processes. He highlighted the unique challenges facing Bougainville youth—ranging from limited economic opportunities to the lingering effects of past conflict—and called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners to create inclusive platforms for youth engagement.