The Secretariat of the Pacific Community says addressing youth unemployment is a crucial part of its focus on engaging youth in sustainable development.
Children at the Jittu Squater Settlement, near Suva, Fiji Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
Youth make up more than 50 percent of the region's population but the deputy director of social and economic development at the SPC says there is still a lack of programs addressing youth issues.
These include non-communicable disease, climate change, sexual health and rights, employment and the empowerment of girls and young women.
Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago Elisara says preparing youth for job opportunities or teaching them business skills will go a long way towards helping them address other issues.
"Ultimately the long term objective is to ensure that our youth are in a position to lead our region and take on the leadership for development in the region going forward."
