Papua New Guinea: Rapid Youth Assessment

4 September, 2008—Young people under the age of 20 account for almost half of Papua New Guinea’s total population; and they constitute a disproportionate part of the urban poor.

In Port Moresby, the largest city in Papua New Guinea, youth between the ages of 15 and 29 represent about 35.1 percent of the total population as compared to 28.5 percent nationally. Further, it is estimated that the youth cohort will grow by at least another 13 percent by 2015 due to natural population increases and in-migration.

Furthermore, recent studies indicate that an increasing proportion of urban youth are being marginalized: they endure inequality, exclusion and poverty and are vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors.

This report provides a situational analysis of youth in the National Capital District (NCD) and provides a summary of the key issues and challenges they face.