Posted on 17 May 2023
The Pacific Conference on Governance was held in Auckland on 11-12 May, which bought together young people from 18 Pacific countries to discuss corruption in the region. The event focused on the relationship between corruption and development through its impact on climate and gender.
With half of the Pacific’s population being under 23, engagement with young people is critical in development efforts and the summit aimed to educate and inspire attendees by raising awareness, sharing knowledge and advocating for change.
Henry Puna, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, addressed the group in the opening of the conference, stating "we will be looking to you, our youth, to pursue the mantle of leadership in your countries, for you are in the present, and best placed to navigate the pathways for the future."
He also touched on the issues in relation to the Pacific 2050 Strategy, "the formal and official blueprint, capturing the long- term vision and aspirations of our Pacific peoples."
"I encourage all of us to work together with the leaders and policy makers, for the advancement of the governance agenda in the region, especially under the 2050 Strategy", he says.