Honiara, Solomon Islands - Utilizing young people’s potential as agents of change requires involving and empowering them in development, policies and supporting their participation at all levels.

This was the aim of today’s youth event to mark International Youth Day 2020 and hosted by the Public Solicitors Office (PSO) in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) through the Solomon Islands Access to Justice Project (A2J) and Empowering Youth as Agents for Peace and Social Cohesion in the Solomon Islands Project.

The Dreamcast and Save the Children joint production, Juvenile, was screened followed by a presentation from PSO, which raised awareness about the systemic challenges in Solomon Islands as participants followed the justice journeys of two youths who committed crimes

“It explores different processes within the justice system and engages different actors such as Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP), the PSO and mediation dispute resolution. The various issues that arise such as the role of the PSO, treatment of youths in the justice system in the film was addressed in a complementary presentation by the PSO after the screening,” said UNDP A2J Project Manager, Grace Kiernan.

Twenty youth representatives from youth caucuses in and around Honiara established by the Peacebuilding Project, attended the film screening at the Iumi Waka youth space, Town Ground in Honiara. A similar event was held in Gizo, Western Province and a radio awareness program aired on the national broadcaster.

“Under this year’s theme of ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’, the events contribute to UNDP and its partnership commitments in engaging and advancing young people’s particpation and empowerment as peace and resilient builders,” said Kiernan.

The Australian Government funded A2J Project, which is jointly implemented by UNDP and the PSO focuses on strengthening the capacity of the PSO to enhance access to justice for all Solomon Islanders including youth.

The UN Peace Building Funded Empowering Youths as Agents for Peace and Social Cohesion in the Solomon Islands project has been working with various youth groups throughout the country to help grow a new generation of effective peace advocates and nation builders.

Kiernan added, “The collaboration contributes to the aim of empowering and fostering the engagement of young men and women who will proactively contribute to peace and sustainable development of their country and build resilience to crises such as COVID19.”

The Iumi Waka, UNDP’s youth led innovation lab was proud to support the event and will continue to help facilitate knowledge sharing and learning amongst youths in the Solomon Islands.

The International Youth Day is commemorated annually around the world to celebrate and mainstream young people’s voices, actions and initiatives as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Mr Ednal Palmer, Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office. P: (677) 27446/7336633 E: ednal.palmer@undp.org