East Sepik has become the first province in Papua New Guinea to begin rolling out the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029 across an entire province, with a target of engaging 60,000 young people by 2029.
The province has started the program in one Local Level Government (LLG) in each district before expanding it to all 28 LLGs.
More than 10 LLG managers, provincial community development officers and divisional heads attended a four-day Youth Online Registration and Socialization Program, which concluded with the signing of the LLG Youth Engagement Action Framework between the East Sepik Provincial Administration, district authorities and the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA).
Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services Emanuel ToMarum, speaking on behalf of Provincial Administrator Torovi, said the initiative was more than a registration exercise.
He said it was the first practical step towards ensuring every young person in East Sepik was identified, counted and connected to education, employment and other development opportunities.
“The Prime Minister James Marape has made the call already—youths must be mobilized and counted. Government alone cannot achieve this; it needs a collaborative effort,” Mr. ToMarum said.
He said the Community Development Division would coordinate the rollout with the province’s six District Development Authorities, 28 LLG managers and ward leaders to register youths across the province.
“No ward is to be left behind,” he said.
Mr. ToMarum said the province would also establish Youth Ward Committees to ensure young people participated in planning and development at the grassroots level.
He said the committees would help connect registered youths to opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, the informal sector and other economic activities.
National Youth Development Authority Director General Joe Itaki praised East Sepik for taking the lead in implementing the National Youth Engagement Strategy.
He said the strategy, approved by the National Executive Council in April 2025, was designed to address youth challenges through prevention rather than relying solely on law-and-order responses.
“We are excited that East Sepik’s approach sits well with the spirit and intent of the National Youth Engagement Strategy,” Mr. Itaki said.
“The collective approach displayed by the provincial administration, districts and local-level governments is key to building a better future for our young people.”
He said NYDA would return to East Sepik in September to begin referring registered youths to education, training, employment and business opportunities based on the data collected.
The LLG Youth Engagement Action Framework will guide youth registration, data collection and the referral of young people to government, private sector and development partner programs.
The first LLGs to begin registration are Numbo, North Wosera, Ambunti Rural, Drekikir, Wewak Urban, Maprik Urban and Angoram, with the remaining 22 LLGs expected to join the rollout in the coming months.