Port Moresby - 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.