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CYP Centre is a Vote of Confidence in Solomon Islands

30 October 2005

Secretary-General Don McKinnon with Tony Coghlan, Regional Director of the CYP Pacific Centre, and Ruth Liloqula, Solomon Islands' Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has said that the reopening of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) South Pacific Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in June 2005, is a vote of confidence in the government of this Pacific island state.

The Secretary-General made this remark during a visit to the CYP Pacific Centre on 31 October 2005. He said the success of the Centre depends not only on the strong support of the Government of Solomon Islands, but also the support of Commonwealth countries in the region. Mr McKinnon pointed out that the Commonwealth is the only international organisation with a dedicated youth programme that helps young people to develop their skills. It believes that young people can help make a difference in the future of their communities and countries.

Ruth Liloqula, Solomon Islands' Permanent Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, stated her government is committed to fulfilling its obligation to host the CYP Pacific Centre. The Centre was reopened this year after having been relocated to Brisbane, Australia, in 2000, following a political crisis. She said the young people of Solomon Islands will benefit from the development programmes offered by the CYP.

Ms Liloqula noted that the beliefs, attitudes, issues and needs of young people are important in creating a healthy society. She expressed the hope that CYP can develop meaningful ways of engaging young people as "youth issues are community issues and community issues are youth issues".

She said: "I am positive that through innovative programmes, we can facilitate the youth population to be proactive in taking ownership in managing the necessary changes to create a safe, happy and productive society. This would be particularly important for the active participation of marginalised and disadvantaged youth groups in the communities, as more and more young people are playing a role in influencing the decisions that affect their lives."

Ms Liloqula highlighted that CYP's Diploma and Certificate Programmes in Youth Work, the Retail Skills Training and Regional Youth Forum have benefited the young people of the Pacific. She stated that the recent CYP Regional Advisory Board Meeting, which took place in Nadi, Fiji Islands, from 19 to 23 September 2005, had identified priority areas that will contribute in enhancing the socio-economic development of young people.

Tony Coghlan, Regional Director of the CYP Pacific Centre, said plans are under way to develop its premises into a resource centre with internet access to encourage young people to be connected with their peers within and beyond the Pacific region. He stated young people can increase their knowledge and awareness by the opportunities offered by the worldwide web.