“Debates are a significant feature of the National Youth Parliament - make sure it is respectful and informed, even when you are tired and frustrated”.
This was the advice given to delegates at the opening of the National Mock Youth Parliament by UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Marielle Sander.
“Managing how you disagree and keeping your composure is very important during debates. Respectfully debate.”
Facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), in partnership with the National Youth Development Authority and European Union, the National Mock Youth Parliament 2022 officially opened today at the National Parliament House with young leaders from Port Moresby and across the country.
The National Mock Youth Parliament is hosted in Parliament House and will introduce participants to the processes and procedures involved in being a leader in the National House. From 7th November to 11th November, these 60 young leaders will have the opportunity to discover and discuss international and national instruments related to human rights, health, and peace, including international human rights frameworks, relating to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights, and national policy and legislative frameworks such as the Adolescent Health Policy, National Youth Policy, and Women's Health Protection Bill.
Ms. Marielle Sander told the young leaders that it is important to think about the qualities of leadership.
“You have to think about the type of leader you want to be and the qualities you want to see in your leaders. Think about the people that you represent who are back home and, more than that, the issues that matter to your people and how it is relevant to the good of the whole Papua New Guinea,” Ms. Sander stated. “The Parliament represents a united Papua New Guinea and not just a fraction and that is why we need collaboration and commitment to cooperation.”
Ms. Sander closed her remarks by telling the young leaders that solution does not come from those that yell the loudest but are achieved by the leaders that bring the people with them in their vision for change.
UNDP Resident Representative Dirk Wagener emphasised the importance of ethical leadership.
"You will each serve your country in some capacity. It is important that you lead with a moral compass. This means demonstrating qualities of honesty, humility, and accountability."
UNDP will lead delegates through a session on ethical leadership and host a panel on youth-led anti-corruption initiatives.
Mr. Morgan Gwangilo, Director for Education and Civics, National Parliament, on behalf of the Clerk of the Parliament, told the delegates that this is an immersion into the processes and the shoes of the leaders of this nation. “All power belongs to the people. This is your parliament and your opportunity to ensure that you learn as much as you can.”
The Mock Youth Parliament continues this week and ends on November 11.
About Mock Youth Parliament
The Youth Mock Parliament is a chance for young people to discover and discuss international and national instruments related to human rights, health, and peace. This includes international human rights frameworks, including those relating to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights, and national policy and legislative frameworks such as the Adolescent Health Policy, National Youth Policy, and Women's Health Protection Bill.
Through this event, young people will learn about the national political process and the architecture of our parliamentary process, and they will discuss and formulate advocacy agendas.
