Unemployment and Skills Gap Plague Pacific Youth, Say Community Leaders

Strategic Insights -

Pacific youth face significant challenges in obtaining formal employment, with high unemployment rates and a lack of relevant skills contributing to vulnerability to risk behavior, according to acting secretary general of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu. The SPC is committed to addressing issues affecting young people, including health, empowerment, peace, culture, heritage, and the environment, through collaborative efforts with governments and regional organizations. A key outcome of the Pacific Youth Festival was the Suva Point Declaration, which outlines concerns and recommendations for addressing the challenges faced by Pacific youth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pacific region struggles with high unemployment rates, leaving young people vulnerable to engage in risk behaviors that can exacerbate problems.
  • Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu emphasizes the importance of governments focusing resources on addressing unemployment, which affects not only individuals but also communities and nations.
  • The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is committed to addressing issues affecting young people, including health, empowerment, peace, culture, heritage, and the environment.
  • A collaborative approach between the SPC, youth ministers, and the Pacific Youth Council will be taken to meet in New Zealand next year to discuss youth issues.
  • The Suva Point Declaration highlights the importance of incorporating youth-focused programs in all sectors of government and welcoming young people's participation in national development planning.
  • Recognizing young people as valuable human resources in development, the declaration emphasizes their need for recognition and engagement in policy formulation and implementation.
  • The document acknowledges improvements in preventative health services, access to clean water, and sanitation facilities but expresses concern about challenges obstructing the development of young people and their communities.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 delegates attended the Pacific Youth Festival at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, demonstrating the scale and engagement involved in addressing youth issues.
  • The Suva Point Declaration outlines the contributions and concerns of Pacific youth, providing a clear call to action for regional leaders and governments.

Sources:

  • Fiji Times
  • Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
  • Pacific News
  • Pacific Youth Festival
  • Suva Point Declaration