October 22, 2008—Young people across the Pacific have been given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns on social, cultural and political issues in a new report commissioned by the World Bank. The very real prospect of being marginalised by their community ranks at the top of a list of fears many youth across the region are experiencing.

Giving South Pacific Youth a Voice surveyed young people throughout six Pacific nations—Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga—to gain an understanding of the changes they themselves wanted to see in their communities in order to make some practical recommendations to help implement these changes.

Young Pacific Islanders are looking for a way to make a contribution to their community and have their voices heard. The efforts, views and opinions of government agencies, youth sector organisations, and youth themselves need to be united in order to create a much-needed change.

In broad terms the report found that young people across the survey nations want to participate in the development of programs and policy that address youth needs. The report recommends a series of practical and effective strategies for the World Bank, governments, multilateral and donor agencies, and civil society organisations to consider and implement.

Responding to and implementing the recommendations outlined in the report is not the sole responsibility of either government or a single organisation. The recommendations should serve as a basis for developing and/or reviewing youth policies, or simply evaluating the current youth engagement practices—a process which requires commitment and input from all stakeholders, including government, donor agencies, multilateral organisations, NGOs, young people and the community.