Two young Papua New Guineans recently attended the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in early February at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Economic and Social Council was established by the United Nations Charter in 1946 and is the main arm for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.
The youth delegates, Ms. Abigail Havora and Ms. Bronwyn Kili, met with other youth representatives from around the world and discussed ways in which young people can play an active role in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Abigail and Bronwyn, discussed issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and environment often disproportionally affect youth throughout the world. Drawing from their rich experience in engaging youth, the two young women are now urging young people in Papua New Guinea to be proactive as catalysts for change.
“As a peer educator and youth leader, the forum has opened my eyes on how crucial it is for the youth to be part of implementing processes of the SDGs. The experience has taught me that to develop a nation requires more actors than just a government. We need our young people playing such a role," said Bronwyn.
“The forum allowed me to network with worldwide youth leaders, learn about the various issues in the world, and identify where Papua New Guinea fits and what we can do. I think one of the vital issues in SDGs in our country’s context is environment protection especially in the area of waste management. We should educate each other to responsively and properly manage waste for the sake of future generations”, said Abigail.
Inspired from this two-day forum, Abigail and Bronwyn are now considering how best to inform others in Papua New Guinea about how best to promote youth participation in implementing SDGs. They are simplifying information about the SDGs so that people can understand the importance of SDGs and youth engagement.
The United Nations in Papua New Guinea also recognizes importance of engaging youth in development process of the country. “In a country where almost 30 percent of the population is between the age of 10 and 24, it is vital to engage young people as critical actors for the betterment of the nation. We must continue to support their efforts to be active citizens” said Mr. Roy Trivedy, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea.
Meet Papua New Guinea’s Youth Representatives
Abigail Havora
Abigail Havora 24, is a student at the school of Medicine and Health Science, at the University of Papua New Guinea. She is also Miss Pacific Islands 2015 and Miss Papua New Guinea 2015. Abigail works as a mentor at youth development organisation, The Voice Inc. Involved with The Voice Inc. for about six years; Abigail has been trained to act as a leader and to impact the community. Her mission is to help sustainable development of Papua New Guinea especially in the area of public health and she now concentrates on her degree to become a doctor.
Bronwyn Kili
Brownyn Kili, 19, is a peer educator at the Youth Adolescent Health Club and Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and will be a university student soon. She has also presented herself in the YWCA’s Tokstret Radio program aired on National Broadcasting Commission and has discussed various issues related to social development in Papua New Guinea. Having joined several leadership workshops in and outside of the country, she commits herself to train and empower young generations to make better decisions in the society.