A youth-led initiative is gaining traction in Tonga during the Pre-Pacific People’s Forum held at the Moulton Hall as the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting approaches. Under the theme “Casting the Net Anew,” this initiative is a gathering of young people aiming to shape a sustainable future for the region through collaboration, understanding, and a shared vision.
Yesterday, young leaders from across the Pacific convened at the Moulton Hall to advocate for policies and practices that address the pressing environmental and social challenges facing their communities. They stressed the importance of being active participants in shaping the region’s development, particularly through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Vanessa Lolohea, Director of the Tonga National Youth Congress (TNYC), highlighted the significance of the meeting as an opportunity for learning and engagement. She spoke about youth possessing the energy, creativity, and passion necessary to drive positive change.
“By working together, we can forge pathways toward meaningful change that reflects our collective aspirations as youth of the Pacific,” Lolohea said.
She encouraged participants to embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, urging them to cast their nets anew—not only in terms of ideas but also in building connections across different cultures and backgrounds.
Emeline Ilolahia, Executive Director of the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), also spoke during the event, focusing on the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the 2050 Strategy and the critical inclusion of youth. Her presentation reinforced the importance of youth engagement in regional development and the need for their voices to be heard in shaping the future of the Pacific.
