Hundreds of youths throughout Port Moresby gathered today at the Sir John Guise Stadium to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD) in Papua New Guinea.
IYD is an awareness day designated by the United Nations.
The first IYD was observed on 12 August, 2000.
The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.
It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.
The event in Moresby commenced as early as 5am at the ‘Walk for Life’ event with National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
Hundreds of youths take part starting at the Ela Beach Amphitheatre to the stadium where the main activities took place.
Activities included live performances by local youth artists, dance competition, traditional dances and sporting activities including bouncing castles for the younger youths.
More than 20 information booths were also set up by youth organisations and non-government organisations that support youth programs in PNG.
These include Marie Stopes, Transparency International, Youth Blood Drive, Digicel Foundation, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Health Organisation, PNG Olympic Committee and NCDC Youth Desk.
Most of the youths who attended the event told PNG Loop that they really enjoyed the day’s activities and they learnt a lot from the information booths.
The youths called on Government authorities responsible and NGOs involved to look at creating more avenues for youths to develop themselves and contribute effectively to the country’s development.
