GG Urges Bold Action on Youth Unemployment and Women’s Political Representation

His Excellency Reverend Sir David Tiva Kapu, the Governor General of Solomon Islands stirred the National Parliament by calling for urgent and inclusive policies to address the growing challenges facing the country’s youth population and to boost women’s representation in political leadership. 

 

Delivering the speech from the Throne during the opening of the third meeting of the 12th Parliament on April 24, 2025, H.E Reverend Sir David Tiva Kapu highlighted one of the most pressing demographic realities of the nation: more than 70 percent of Solomon Islanders are under the age of 34. 

 

Estimations show this figure will rise, with youth increasing the total population by 2025. 

 

“This demographic is not a burden but a national asset,” the Governor General told the Parliament.” “Young people are a vital force for change, innovation, and sustainable development. They must be empowered, supported, and given the tools to shape our nation.” 

 

Tackling Youth Unemployment 

 

The Governor General noted that youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing national challenges. He acknowledged that many young people are without meaningful work opportunities, leading to feeling hopelessness, anti-social behavior, substance abuse and crime. 

 

He further pointed to the rural-urban migration trend, with large numbers of young people relocating to urban centres like Honiara in search of better opportunities. This migration, he said, is placing immense pressure on housing, public services, law enforcement, and family structures. 

 

To combat this, the government has pledged to implement meaningful and inclusive youth empowerment policies, aimed at fostering job creation, skills training, and rural development to ensure young Solomon Islanders can thrive wherever they live. 

 

Advancing Women in Politics 

 

Ina landmark announcement, the Governor General confirmed that the Cabinet paper proposing temporary special measures to boost women’s participation in politics, particularly at the provincial level will soon be tabled. 

 

Solomon Islands continues to struggle with underrepresentation of women in political leadership, and the proposed measures aim to correct that imbalance by creating space for more inclusive decision-making at all levels of government. 

 

“Women’s voices are essential to our democracy and national development,” the Governor General said. “Empowering women in political spaces is not just a matter of justice; it is a strategic priority for inclusive governance and lasting peace.” 

 

A National Call to Action 

 

The Governor General concluded his remarks on youth and gender by urging all sectors of society—government, civil society, traditional leaders, and development partners to work together in building a more inclusive Solomon Islands. 

 

‘With unity of purpose, shared responsibility, and unwavering dedication, we can turn our youth bulge into a demographic dividend and create a nation where both young people and women play leading roles in our transformation,” he said. 

 

In the coming weeks, Parliament prepares will deliberate on several key bills, and youth and women’s empowerment are expected to remain on the legislative agenda.