Bougainville Youth Forum Empowers Young Leaders for Sustainable Peace and Nation Building

The Department of Community Development of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), successfully co-hosted the Bougainville Youth Forum under the theme, "Empowering Bougainville Youth for Sustainable Peace, Leadership, Innovation and Nation Building."

Held at Kuri Village Resort in Buka, North Bougainville, the forum brought together more than 30 youth representatives from district and urban youth associations across Bougainville. Participants also included representatives from government agencies, development partners, churches, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

A Platform for Youth Voices

The forum provided an important platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues affecting their communities and their future. Participants openly discussed challenges and opportunities facing Bougainville's youth and developed practical recommendations aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance, peace building, economic development, and nation-building.

As the peak representative body for youth in Bougainville, the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) actively participated in the discussions, contributing perspectives and recommendations on youth development priorities.

Key Areas of Discussion

Throughout the forum, participants explored a range of critical topics that impact the lives and future of young people in Bougainville, including:

• Peace building and Reconciliation

• Governance and Civic Participation

• Youth Leadership Development

• Education and Skills Training

• Employment and Entrepreneurship

• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

• Health and Wellbeing

• Climate Change and Environmental Protection

• Culture, Identity and Sports

These discussions encouraged participants to identify locally driven solutions while strengthening collaboration and networking among youth leaders from across the region.

Investing in the Future

of Bougainville

The forum reaffirmed the importance of investing in young people as Bougainville continues its journey toward a peaceful and prosperous future. Participants enhanced their leadership skills, shared innovative ideas, and established partnerships that will continue to support youth development initiatives beyond the forum.

BYF acknowledges the commitment and support of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, UNFPA, development partners, and all stakeholders whose contributions helped make the forum a success and created valuable opportunities for Bougainville's young people.

Looking Ahead

The Bougainville Youth Federation remains committed to advancing youth development and empowerment across the region by:

• Strengthening youth leadership at all levels of society.

• Supporting district and urban youth associations.

• Promoting peace building and reconciliation initiatives.

• Creating opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.

• Advocating for meaningful youth participation in policy development and governance.

• Building a strong and united network of empowered young leaders throughout Bougainville.

The recommendations emerging from the forum will help guide future youth development programs and contribute to the implementation of the Bougainville Youth Policy.

Message from BYF

"The future of Bougainville belongs to its young people. Through unity, leadership, innovation, and collaboration, we can build peaceful, resilient, and prosperous communities for generations to come. Together, we are shaping the future of our nation."

The Bougainville Youth Federation encourages all young people to actively participate in youth programs, leadership initiatives, community development activities, and advocacy efforts across Bougainville.

Together, we are empowering youth to become leaders of today and builders of tomorrow.

Youth participants that attended the Youth Forum