National Youth Development Authority

20/07/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

East Sepik Province Leads the Way in National Youth Engagement Rollout

WEWAK, East Sepik Province — East Sepik has become the first province in Papua New Guinea to roll out the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029 across an entire province, piloting the program in one Local Level Government (LLG) per district before expanding to all 28 LLGs.

More than ten 10 LLG managers, the Provincial Community Development Executive Manageress/staff, and provincial divisional heads and their staff took part in a four-day Youth Online Registration and Socialization Program. The training climaxed with the signing of the LLG Youth Engagement Action Framework between the East Sepik Provincial Administration, the respective districts, and the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA).

Provincial Administration Commits to Youth Agenda

Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services, Mr Emanuel ToMarum, delivered remarks on behalf of Provincial Administrator Mr Torovi, who was unable to attend the launch. Mr ToMarum said the initiative was more than a data-collection exercise — it was the first practical step to putting every young person in the province on the national record, “visible, counted and connected to opportunities.”

“The Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has made the call already -youths must be mobilised and counted: government alone can't achieve this, it needs a collaborative effort – you and me must play our part,” Mr ToMarum said.

“The National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025–2029 was launched to encourage collaboration, establishing the online registration portal as the central youth database nationwide so that every young Papua New Guinean — out of school, in informal work or seeking a pathway — can be identified, referred and supported.”

He said East Sepik was answering that call.
“As of this week, our Community Development Division will lead the coordination of this rollout, together with our six District Development Authorities, our 28 LLG Managers and Ward leaders, to register every youth from the coast, the Sepik Plains and the mountains to the islands. No ward is to be left behind,” he said.

Mr ToMarum said registration alone was not enough — data had to lead to structured pathways, and the pathways lead to youth empowerment. For that reason, the East Sepik Provincial Administration is establishing Youth Ward Committees in line with the province's ongoing ward reforms, which are pushing planning, funding and decision-making closer to the people.

“Youth engagement in East Sepik must go down to that level. Youth Ward Committees provide a structured approach for young people to participate in development programs meant for them,” he said. “To our East Sepik youths, I ask that you register and organise yourselves. The system exists because you exist, and both the national and provincial governments are keen to maintain traction of your aspirations.”

He acknowledged the Deputy Administrators and LLG Managers for their work on the ward reforms, and noted that the four-day training had already generated strong interest across sectors including coastal and riverine fisheries, agriculture and the informal sector. He added that the NYDA team will return to the province in September to announce the actual pathway referrals per district based on the data generated, Provincial Administration looks forward to.

NYDA: A Collective Approach to Youth Development

National Youth Development Authority Director General Mr Joe Itaki opened his remarks by acknowledging the Provincial Administrator's apology, and thanked the provincial deputy administrators, sectoral heads, LLG presidents, LLG Managers, youth leaders and other youth stakeholders for their participation.

“It's great that you all sat through four intensive days of conversation on how best we can position youth agenda in the province. The collective approach and concerted effort displayed is key to constructing a better future for our out of school youths. Leaving this work only to districts or the national office to drive will be futile in the long run,” he said.

“We are excited that East Sepik's approach sits well with the spirit and intent of the National Youth Engagement Strategy. We must encourage around table conversations and formulate the best approaches by looking at the provincial and district integrated plans. Ideally, we will work to anchor the youth development agenda within the existing plans and know who is doing what, and where, in the youth space in the province.”

Mr Itaki thanked the Governor and the Provincial Administrator for taking the proactive step of inviting NYDA into the province to partner and start the youth mobilisation work.

“The National Youth Engagement Strategy was approved in April 2025 by NEC as a national response to youth issues, following widespread youth related on the rise. NYDA has since taken it to provinces and districts around the country, socialising the plan together with them so we all collaborate meaningfully in addressing the country's growing youth issue,” he said.

“NYES is a prevention approach, and we must invest in it rather than in responsive approaches like the conventional law & order management practices. NYDA is about scaling up innovative strategies to deal with these issues differently rather than entertaining the same rhetorics pertaining to the youth agenda.”

The provincial administration committing to this cause is a clear indication of commitment and confidence in us all – provincial, district teams & national team.” he said. “This strategy also looks at harnessing the donor and corporate potential, we already have in the province. We will mobilise youths in the LLGs and connect them to opportunities within the province — that is the core aim of this strategy. For the last 50 years, we have run youth agenda from the peripheries, now it has taken the centre stage, with a strong push from the current government. We are now putting them in the driver's seat to plot the course of their own destiny and the development of our country.”

Framework to Guide Ward-Level Engagement

The LLG Youth Engagement Action Framework signed at the event provides a guide to align and integrate youth engagement at the ward level. It sets out strategic actions such as; youth registration, the processing of data on youth interests’ areas, and pathways connecting youth to sectoral support. The Framework also aligns with the East Sepik Provincial Administration's strategic shift toward LLG- and Ward-driven development and resourcing.

The LLGs commencing registration are: Numbo, North Wosera, Ambunti Rural, Drekiker, Wewak Urban, Maprik Urban and Angoram.

The Provincial Administration is now finalising measures to extend the rollout to the remaining 22 LLGs across the province, working toward a target of 60,000 youths engaged under NYES by 2029.

— END —

13/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Vanimo-Green Becomes PNG's First District to Implement National Youth Engagement Strategy

VANIMO, West Sepik Province — 13 July 2026 — The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) today marked a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea's youth development journey with the program launch under the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029 in Vanimo-Green District, making it the first district in the country to commence implementation of the national strategy.

The program inception presents the beginning of a new approach to youth development—one that places young people at the centre of national, provincial and district development planning through coordinated investment in the youth space.

The National Youth Engagement Strategy is the Government's blueprint for empowering Papua New Guinea's out of school youths over the next five years. It provides a clear framework for national agencies, provincial governments, district administrations, local-level governments, development partners and the private sector to collaborate in creating opportunities that empower the lives of young people.

Speaking during the launch, NYDA Director General Mr. Joe Itaki congratulated the Vanimo-Green District Development Authority for becoming the first district in Papua New Guinea to embrace the strategy and demonstrate leadership in youth development.

“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are partners in development today. Through the National Youth Engagement Strategy, we are giving young people the opportunity to gain skills, participate in decision-making, and create empowerment pathways that harness their vast potential.”

As part of the launch, 85 young men and women successfully completed a four-day Financial Inclusion Training, delivered in partnership with the Vanimo-Green District Development Authority, and Mama Bank.

The bank also opened their passbook accounts – a sigh of relief for many who struggled with requirements.

The training equipped participants with practical knowledge in budgeting, saving, financial discipline, providing them with the confidence to venture into informal sector business as a starting point.

Vanimo-Green Member & Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Belden Namah, was on hand to support his youths.

He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to youth empowerment programs by announcing K1,000 start-up support for each participant, providing practical assistance to help begin their entrepreneurial journey.

Further, he announced that Vanimo Green DDA approved a K1million SME loan program this year, youth entrepreneurship will be prioritized under this loan program.

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Hon. Jason Peter, officiated the program by encouraging youths to use the knowledge gained during the training as a foundation for building a small business, you have a new seed of hope in your now so start to cultivate the land for its growth.

The National Youth Engagement Strategy introduces a coordinated system of youth registration, assessment and referral, that enables stakeholders better understand local youth demographics and respond with targeted programs in employment, entrepreneurship, TVET skills development, agriculture, fisheries, farming, civic engagement, and community peacekeeping programs.

Adding on to it, 26 youths were also presented with vegetables seeds by NYDA to go into vegetable farming as per their interest. The Director General stated that the strategy is designed to complement the National Government's commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind.

“The National Youth Engagement Strategy creates a pathway for districts to identify their young people, understand their needs and connect them with practical opportunities.

Vanimo-Green has shown strong leadership by becoming one of the first districts to register its youth population and begin implementation.”

Under the strategy, districts are encouraged to establish strong partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, training providers, churches, community organisations and the private sector to create sustainable pathways for young people.

The launch reinforces the National Government's commitment to addressing some of the country's most pressing youth challenges, including unemployment, limited access to skills training, economic participation and social issues affecting young people in both urban and rural communities.

The National Youth Development Authority acknowledges the leadership of the Vanimo-Green District Development Authority, the West Sepik Provincial Administration and Mama Bank, whose collaboration has made this milestone possible.

The successful launch in Vanimo-Green marks the beginning of the national rollout of the National Youth Engagement Strategy. Lessons from the pilot district will help guide implementation across provinces and districts throughout Papua New Guinea over the next five years.

The NYDA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to forge meaningful empowerment pathways for out of school youths.

*** ENDS ***

25/06/2026

🌟 CENTRAL PROVINCE IS IN THE MOVEMENT. 🌟

When the LLG Managers from Woitape, Tapini, and Guari made the journey in from Goilala — one of the most remote districts in Central Province — it said everything.

No excuses. No absences. Every corner of this province showed up.
And on 23–24 June 2026, Central Province officially became the 9th province in Papua New Guinea to complete the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) Socialization Program.

Rigo District and Hiri Koiari District have been named as the official Pilot Districts for NYES implementation in Central Province. They go first. They set the standard. The rest will follow.

Before the month is out, Implementation Workshops and Online Youth Registration Training will be held in Kwikila and Mirigeda — putting the strategy into action at district level, right now.

This was not a talk-shop. Two days of real work. Real decisions.

The Central Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan was signed by Acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Magini Raga.

The Joint District Collaboration Framework was signed by Hiri Koiari District Development Authority CEO Mr. Sibona Mavaru.

The Provincial Community Development Division — the lead agency driving NYES implementation in Central Province — anchored the entire process.

These are not ceremonial signatures. They are commitments on paper.

The NYES Online Youth Registration System has been officially launched in Central Province. For the first time, there is a live digital system to identify, record, and track the province's youth — so that every plan, every program, and every kina invested is guided by real data. This is aimed at referring youths to appropriate sector pathways available in the province such as fisheries, farming, cocoa, rubber, coffee, SME, etc.

A Provincial Executive Council (PEC) submission has also been drafted to secure formal leadership endorsement and resource support from the Central Provincial Government. Political will is being matched with paperwork.

📅 WHAT’S COMING:

▶ Pilot District workshops in Kwikila and Mirigeda — next month.
▶ Remaining Central Province districts — November 2026.
▶ NYDA takes NYES to Simbu Province — July 2026.
▶ Phase 3 begins: real youth engagement in 10 socialized provinces — second half of 2026.
▶ Remaining provinces — 2027.

Nine provinces. The momentum is real. The work has only just begun.

19/06/2026

🎉 BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN MILNE BAY! 🎉

Alotau just made history — and young people are leading the way! 💪

100 youths from Koeabule Ward showed up and showed OUT at Alice Wedega Park this week for the launch of the E-Registration initiative— and that's just Day 1! 🔥

Young men AND women in Alotau Urban are stepping up to be counted, and the energy is electric. This is what youth mobilization looks like when WE take it seriously.

This is part of the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES)— a joint push between NYDA and Alotau Provincial Administration to make sure YOUR voice, YOUR future, and YOUR presence is on the record. 📋✅

📍 Alice Wedega Park, Alotau — where it all kicked off!
📸 Credit: Alotau E-Registration Project Team

👉 Not registered yet? Don't sleep on this! More registration days are coming to a ward near you across Milne Bay Province.

Stay locked in for updates. This is YOUR time, Milne Bay! 🌊🇵🇬

08/06/2026

PNG SUN thank you for sharing.

Eastern Highlands Province has become the eighth province in the country and the first in the Highlands Region to complete the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029 Socialization Program.

The three-day program, held in Goroka from June 3 to 5, brought together government officials, community and church leaders, youth representatives and development partners to finalise implementation plans, strengthen stakeholder capacity and formalise commitments for the rollout of the strategy across the province.

The program concluded with the signing of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan by Provincial Administrator Allen Los and the Joint District Collaboration Framework by Kainantu District Administrator Dickson Penai, paving the way for the immediate implementation of the NYES in Kainantu District.

National Youth Development Authority Director General Joe Itaki in a statement said the milestone marked an important step in expanding the National Youth Engagement Strategy into the Highlands Region and strengthening youth participation in development initiatives at the provincial, district and community levels.

The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) said the successful completion of the socialization program represented a significant step in the national rollout of the NYES 2025–2029.

As the first Highlands province to formally engage with the strategy, Eastern Highlands has established a foundation for expanding the NYES throughout the region, reinforcing efforts to make youth engagement and development a nationwide initiative.

The three-day program commenced with presentations on the NYES framework and consultations on two key implementation instruments: the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan (JIIP) and the Joint District Collaboration Framework (JDCF). Kainantu District was formally identified as the province’s designated pilot district for NYES implementation.

Provincial Administrator Mr Los reaffirmed the Provincial Administration’s commitment to ensuring young people are actively engaged in development initiatives and opportunities throughout Eastern Highlands Province.

On the second day, stakeholders validated both the Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan and the Kainantu District Collaboration Framework. Community Development Officers also received practical training on the NYES Online Youth Registration System in preparation for implementation at the district and community levels.

The program concluded with the formal signing of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan by Mr Los and the Joint District Collaboration Framework by Mr Penai. The NYES Online Youth Registration System was also officially launched in Eastern Highlands Province and is expected to begin operations immediately in Kainantu District.

A key outcome of the program was the recognition of the strong alignment between the National Youth Engagement Strategy and the Saemaul Undong (SMU) community development model currently being implemented across Eastern Highlands Province.

The SMU Model has supported communities to work collaboratively in agriculture, entrepreneurship, skills development, income-generating activities and ward-level economic development. Stakeholders said the NYES would complement these efforts by ensuring young people are actively involved in community development, training opportunities and local economic activities.

Participants also noted that the alignment was significant because the Saemaul Undong Model has been adopted nationally by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, creating opportunities for collaboration across national, provincial, district, local-level government and community-based development programs.

The program attracted broad participation from Provincial Community Development Advisors, Provincial Administration Finance Managers, District Community Development Officers, Provincial Youth Coordinators, church representatives, community leaders and youth leaders.

Participants acknowledged that youth development must be treated as a whole-of-government and whole-of-community responsibility, with structured pathways for youth engagement extending from the provincial level to districts, wards and communities.

With Eastern Highlands now completing the program, eight provinces across Papua New Guinea have formally completed the NYES Socialization Program. Kainantu District has joined the growing list of designated pilot districts, while the online youth registration system is now operational in the province.

The NYDA said several other provincial governments have expressed interest in implementing the strategy, with planning already underway for additional provincial rollouts.

The National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025–2029 serves as Papua New Guinea’s national framework for coordinated youth development, providing a structured approach to youth engagement, skills development, civic participation and livelihood creation.

The strategy is being implemented by the National Youth Development Authority in partnership with provincial and local-level governments, national agencies, industry, civil society organisations and community groups.

08/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE
08/06/2026

Eastern Highlands Province Becomes Eight Province and First in the Highlands Region to Complete NYES Socialization Program

Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province — 5 June 2026

The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) announces that Eastern Highlands Province has successfully completed the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029 Socialization Program, becoming the eighth province in Papua New Guinea and the first province in the Highlands Region to do so.

The program was held in Goroka from 3 to 5 June 2026, bringing together government leaders, community representatives, church leaders, youth leaders, and development stakeholders for three days of consultation, planning, framework validation, capacity building, and formal commitment to NYES implementation across the province.

Significance of the Milestone

The successful completion of the socialization program in Eastern Highlands Province represents a significant development in the national rollout of the NYES 2025–2029. As the first Highlands province to formally engage with the Strategy, Eastern Highlands has established a foundation for the expansion of the NYES across the broader Highlands Region, reinforcing the Strategy's progression toward a genuinely nationwide platform for youth engagement and development.

Program Overview

The three-day program commenced with comprehensive presentations on the NYES framework and consultations on two key implementation instruments: the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan (JIIP) and the Joint District Collaboration Framework (JDCF). Kainantu District was formally identified as the province's designated Pilot District for NYES implementation.

Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los provided strong affirmation of the Provincial Administration's commitment to ensuring that young people are actively engaged in development initiatives and opportunities across Eastern Highlands Province.

On the second day, stakeholders validated both the Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan and the Kainantu District Collaboration Framework. Community Development Officers also received practical training on the NYES Online Youth Registration System in preparation for ground-level implementation.

The program concluded on the third day with the formal signing of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan by Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los, and the signing of the Joint District Collaboration Framework by Kainantu District Administrator Mr. Dickson Penai. The NYES Online Youth Registration System was officially launched in Eastern Highlands Province, with operations set to commence immediately in Kainantu District.

Alignment with the Saemaul Undong Community Development Model

A notable outcome of the socialization program was the recognition of the strong alignment between the NYES and the Saemaul Undong (SMU) Model — a South Korean-inspired community development framework currently being implemented across Eastern Highlands Province.

The SMU Model has supported communities in Eastern Highlands to work collaboratively across agriculture, entrepreneurship, skills development, income-generating activities, and ward-level economic development. Stakeholders acknowledged that the NYES will complement and strengthen this approach by ensuring that youth engagement becomes a deliberate and structured component of community development efforts, providing young people with greater opportunities to participate in ward-level activities, access training, contribute to community projects, and take an active role in local economic growth.

The alignment carries added significance given that the SMU Model has also been adopted nationally by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), creating a broader framework for collaboration across national, provincial, district, local-level government, and community-based development initiatives.

Broad Stakeholder Participation

Participants in the program included Provincial Community Development Advisors, Provincial Administration Finance Managers, District Community Development Officers, Provincial Youth Coordinators, church representatives, community leaders, and youth leaders. Their collective participation reflects a shared recognition that youth development must be treated as a whole-of-government and whole-of-community responsibility, with structured pathways for youth engagement extending from the provincial level down to wards and communities.

Status of the National Rollout

Eight provinces across Papua New Guinea have now formally completed the NYES Socialization Program. Kainantu District has joined the growing list of designated NYES Pilot Districts, and the NYES Online Youth Registration System is now active in Eastern Highlands Province. Several additional provincial governments have expressed interest in the rollout, and the NYDA is progressing planning for subsequent provincial programs.

About the National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025–2029

The National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025–2029 is Papua New Guinea's national framework for coordinated youth development, providing a structured approach to youth engagement, skills development, civic participation, and livelihood creation across all provinces and districts. It is implemented by the National Youth Development Authority in partnership with provincial and local-level governments, national line agencies, industry, civil society, and community organizations.

# # # END OF PRESS RELEASE # # #
WC: 699

Photo Insert:

(L-R) Eastern Highlands Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los and National Youth Development Authority Director General Mr. Joe Itaki sign the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan in support of the National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025–2029, as NYDA Acting Director Programs and Extension Services Mr. Carl Gekoban observes.

07/06/2026

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The East New Britain provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Michael Marum, has partnered with Agmark Limited to support youth development in

07/06/2026

🏔️ THE HIGHLANDS HAVE JOINED THE MOVEMENT.

Eastern Highlands Province has made history — becoming the 8th province in Papua New Guinea and the very first Highlands province to complete the NYES Socialization Program.

From 3–5 June 2026, government leaders, community representatives, church leaders, youth leaders, and development partners came together in Goroka for three powerful days of consultation, planning, and commitment — all focused on one goal: unlocking opportunities for young people.

Here's what was achieved 👇

✅ Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los officially signed the Eastern Highlands Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan
✅ Kainantu District has been identified as the NYES Pilot District for the province
✅ District Administrator Mr. Dickson Penai signed the Kainantu Joint District Collaboration Framework
✅ The NYES Online Youth Registration System is now officially LIVE in Eastern Highlands Province
✅ Community Development Officers have been trained and are ready to implement on the ground

One of the most exciting outcomes? The recognition of a powerful alignment between NYES and the Saemaul Undong (SMU) Model — a community-driven development approach already transforming wards across Eastern Highlands through agriculture, entrepreneurship, and skills development. NYES will now ensure that young people are at the centre of that work.

Eastern Highlands hasn't just joined the movement — it's shown the rest of the Highlands how it's done.

📍 8 Provinces. 1 Vision. Countless Opportunities.

👀 More provinces are watching.
👀 More districts are preparing.
👀 More young people are stepping forward.

🔥 Which province will be NEXT?

28/05/2026

THE MOMENTUM IS BUILDING!

Milne Bay Province is now the 7th Province to complete the NYES Socialization Program — and the energy across Papua New Guinea is only growing stronger!

From 25th–27th May 2026, leaders, stakeholders, and youth representatives gathered at Alotau Bay Resort for three impactful days of dialogue, planning, and commitment toward transforming youth engagement in the province.

High-level presence from the Provincial Administrator, Alotau District Administrator, and Alotau Urban Town Mayor underscored the serious leadership support now backing NYES nationwide.

Key outcomes from the program:
✅ Alotau District officially identified as the Pilot District covering Alotau Urban LLG and Huhu Rural LLG
✅ Signing of the Joint Inception Implementation Plan (JIIP) and the Joint Action Collaborative Framework
✅ Official launch of the NYES Online Youth Registration System — with officers ready to begin registrations next week!

One Pastor captured it best, describing NYES as a "Biblical Ark"— a vessel of hope guiding the next generation of PNG leaders.

📍 7 Provinces down. The movement is growing.

Which province will be next?