Young people from across Bougainville gathered at Arawa’s Christmas Park to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD) on 12 August,2025.
Members from all 17 District youth associations and students from Arawa Secondary School, Erama Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), and Central Bougainville FODE participated in festivities organised by the Bougainville Youth Federation.
Through the Bougainville Partnership program, Australia and New Zealand, in collaboration with the Autonomous Bougainville Government Department of Community Development, support the Bougainville Youth Federation, the region’s peak youth body.
The Federation creates opportunities and promotes youth participation in innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance livelihoods and benefit local communities.
This year’s IYD theme, “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and Beyond” highlighted Bougainvillean youth innovators shaping Bougainville’s future.
The day began with a march past by youths and schoolchildren, followed by panel discussions and innovative demonstrations of youth-led projects.
The Siwai District Youth Association showed how they produce organic stock feed from cassava, grated coconut, eggshells and yams, promoting cheaper organic feed cutting costs and supporting poultry farmers. They also revealed how wild taro leaves boosts egg production in layer hens, blending traditional knowledge with modern practice.
Tinputz District Youth Association shared the impact of financial literacy training that inspired the Tinputz Youth Association Savings and Loan Initiative, a community micro-finance scheme.
Other youth groups displayed organic coconut products and sustainable agriculture practices, reflecting youth creativity and resourcefulness. A big drawcard at the event was the cultural performance by the 2024 Bougainville Voice Xplosion (BVX) winners, Cameroon Mukunu and Michael Dave.
Autonomous Bougainville Government Minister for Community Development, Honourable Morris Opeti, praised the youth for their creativity and thanked the Australian and New Zealand Governments for their continued support to the youth of Bougainville.
Minister Opeti also paid tribute to outgoing First Secretary, Australian Development Assistance Office, Bougainville, Dr Fiona Crockford, for championing youth-led initiatives across the region.
Vincent, from Siwai District Youth Association displaying their organic poultry feed.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100