Bougainville Youth Federation Leads Regional Survey on Key Development Challenges

The Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) has recently conducted an intensive Youth Data Collection Survey aimed at identifying key challenges and development gaps across four priority areas: economic empowerment, governance, social and gender inclusion, and climate change.

The survey engaged young men and women from the North, Central, and South regions of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The initiative sought to amplify youth voices and promote their participation in socio-economic development processes—contributing to the ongoing independence preparedness efforts led by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).

The program was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the ABG Department of Community Development and District Affairs. Strategic coordination with these partners ensured the provision of technical support and the integrity of data collection processes. As the Bougainville Youth Network continues to grow, BYF—the region’s peak youth body—is committed to expanding its reach by fostering inclusive youth engagement in line with the Bougainville Youth Policy 2024–2028, which defines the youth age range and outlines a framework for inclusive development.

Youth data collection team from Central Region at Toniva- Kieta District Office