On this International Youth Day, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat celebrates the young people of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia .
Young people make up the majority of our population in Melanesia. Melanesia accounts for 79% of the Pacific youth population (15 – 24 years), with an estimated 1.5 million young people. They are students, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, community leaders and volunteers, and the next generation of leaders.Â
MSG’s View on Youth in Melanesia
Across our region, we see Melanesian youth:
1. Leading in Communities: Taking the lead and organizing clean-ups, cultural events, sports, and church youth groups.Â
2. Protecting Culture: Learning language, cultural dances, sand drawing, weaving, and sharing kastom with pride.Â
3. Caring for the Environment: Activists, planting trees/mangroves, protecting beaches, running turtle conservation projects, and leading climate awareness in schools.Â
4. Building the Future: Starting small businesses, creating music and art, and using technology to connect and learn.
The MSG believes that when we invest in youth, we invest in the strength of our families, our culture, and our region.
Our Commitment
The MSG Secretariat is committed to supporting Melanesian youth through:
• Skills training and education opportunitiesÂ
• Platforms to share culture and talent across MSG countriesÂ
• Youth participation in regional programs and exchangesÂ
• Promoting healthy lifestyles, peace, and unity
Today we say tenkyu tru, Vinaka vakalevu, oleti and thank you to all young people in Melanesia for your energy, your ideas, and your love for our beautiful Melanesia.Â
Happy International Youth Day! The future is bright because you are in it.
