Central Province has become the ninth province in Papua New Guinea to complete the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) Socialization Program, with Rigo and Hiri Koiari selected as pilot districts to lead implementation and youth registration rollout.
The milestone was achieved during a two-day provincial engagement on 23–24 June 2026 that brought together district administrators, local-level government managers and provincial leaders to finalize implementation arrangements and prepare for delivery.
Participation from all districts, including representatives travelling from remote parts of Goilala District such as Woitape, Tapini and Guari, reflected province-wide commitment to the national youth agenda.
The programme concluded with the signing of the Central Provincial Joint Inception Implementation Plan by Acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Magini Raga and the Joint District Collaboration Framework by Hiri Koiari District Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sibona Mavaru.
The Provincial Community Development Division, the lead agency for NYES implementation in Central Province, coordinated the process and will oversee the next phase of delivery.
A major outcome of the programme was the official launch of the NYES Online Youth Registration System in Central Province.
The platform is designed to identify, register and track young people across the province to support evidence-based planning and connect youth with opportunities in sectors including fisheries, agriculture, cocoa, rubber, coffee and small-to-medium enterprise development.
National Youth Development Authority Director-General Joe Itaki said the strategy was focused on moving youth development from policy discussions into measurable action.
“This is not about meetings and reports. It is about creating a system that allows us to know our young people, understand their needs and connect them to opportunities that already exist in our provinces,” Mr. Itaki said.
“When youth are visible in the system, government and partners can plan better, invest smarter and ensure no young person is left behind.”
A Provincial Executive Council submission has also been prepared to secure formal endorsement and resource support from the Central Provincial Government.
Implementation workshops and online youth registration training are scheduled to be held in Kwikila and Mirigeda before the end of the month to begin district-level execution.
The remaining districts in Central Province are expected to commence implementation in November 2026.
Nationally, NYDA is expected to take the National Youth Engagement Strategy to Simbu Province in July 2026 as Phase Three begins across the 10 provinces that have completed socialization.
Officials said the next stage would focus on translating planning into practical youth engagement outcomes and building stronger pathways for young people across Papua New Guinea.