The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) has launched the Kainantu District Youth Development Council and an online youth registration platform as part of the Government’s implementation of Prime Minister James Marape’s policy commitment to create one million jobs and ensure young people are identified and connected to employment and economic opportunities.
The initiative is one of several nationwide programs being rolled out by the NYDA to translate the Prime Minister’s youth policy agenda into practical action.
Through the district youth councils and a national youth database, the authority aims to identify out-of-school youths, register them and link them to training, employment and business opportunities across the country.
Speaking at the launch in Kainantu last Friday, NYDA Director General Joe Itaki said the youth registration system would provide reliable data for planning while enabling government and development partners to direct young people into productive pathways that support the country’s long-term employment goals.
Kainantu Open MP William Hagahuno joined Mr. Itaki in officially launching the district youth council and online registration platform at the Kainantu District Council Chambers, witnessed by District Administrator Dickson Penai, representatives from TVET institutions, K92 Mining Ltd, MiBank, churches, Local Level Government youth representatives and other stakeholders.
The launch was aimed at mobilizing out-of-school youths and referring them to various pathways such as coffee and vegetable farming, piggery and livestock production, labour mobility, small and medium enterprises, and TVET skills training.
Key pathway stakeholders present included K92 Mining Community Affairs Superintendent Marcus Bai, YEF/MiBank agent Robert Yori and officers from the District Labour Mobility Unit. They described the initiative as an important step towards helping young people secure meaningful livelihoods.
The establishment of the District Youth Development Council marks a significant milestone in strengthening youth leadership, youth empowerment and recognizing the potential of young people to contribute to national development.
The online youth registration platform will provide an accurate database to support evidence-based planning and improve the delivery of youth programs and services.
Mr Itaki said evidence-based planning and investment remain critical to successful youth empowerment, with the registration platform expected to strengthen government decision-making and investment in youth development initiatives.
The nationwide youth movement has gained momentum following the National Government’s approval of the National Youth Engagement Strategy 2025-2029, which calls on provinces and districts to work with the NYDA to implement the strategy across the country.
He said youth issues cut across many sectors and require coordinated partnerships between government, the private sector, churches and development partners.
It said investing in young people today would build a productive workforce capable of driving the country’s future economic growth.
The successful launch reflects the strong partnership between the NYDA, Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration, Kainantu District Administration and key stakeholders in building an inclusive future for out-of-school youths in the district.