OPINION – SINYP 2017 – 2030: Five Years Left, Are We on Track?
The challenges facing young people in the Solomon Islands are becoming increasingly evident, and the clock is ticking for the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy (SINYP) 2017 – 2030.
As we approach the final years before the policy’s intended completion, it is crucial to reflect on its progress and question whether we are truly on track to meet its objectives.
The policy is structured into three key tiers: the National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030, the Strategic Framework for Youth Development, and the National Employment and Entrepreneurship Strategy (NYEES).
Yet, eight years into its timeline, only two of these three tiers have been addressed, leaving the third tier —focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship —completely inactive.
The delay in the implementation of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Strategy is not only frustrating; it is detrimental to the future of Solomon Islands’ youth.
Launched in 2018, this strategy was meant to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, yet it has failed to materialize. Despite consultations conducted years ago with provincial youth representatives, the implementation of this strategy remains stagnant, leaving young people without the vital resources they need to build their careers and businesses.
Furthermore, the provinces, which have eagerly awaited the finalization of their Provincial Implementation Strategy Youth Development and Empowerment (PISYDE) plans, have been left in limbo.
Most provinces dissolved their independent youth policies, anticipating the implementation of the SINYP including the third tier – National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Strategy, but to no avail.
The shifting of government priorities and limited budget allocations have left the strategy not fully implemented, leaving youth in the provinces vulnerable and underserved.
Another vital element of the youth policy, the Solomon Islands National Youth Index, still didn’t have clear data, the impact of the policy—years after its inception. The lack of updated youth data means that policy decisions and initiatives lack the statistical evidence required for targeted, effective interventions. Without solid data, the policy risks being ineffective and disconnected from the real needs of young people across the country.
Urgency of Completing and Implementing Youth Policy Documents
As we approach the final five years of the National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030, it is imperative that the Solomon Islands GNUT government prioritize completing and implementing the remaining components of the policy.
The GNUT government must ensure that the youth policy documents are finalized and fully operational to create a meaningful impact on young people’s lives. This requires significant budget allocations, which have been sorely lacking.
The government’s continued delay in prioritizing youth development must be addressed. Ministries and responsible youth stakeholders must move beyond political interests and focus on creating real opportunities for the youth. The current approach risks wasting the potential of the entire young generation.
Despite these challenges, there is still time for action. The Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) has the potential to play a key role in advocating for youth, but it needs stronger financial support to fully execute its mandate.
SINYC has proven itself capable of coordinating youth initiatives across the country, yet it is underfunded and overburdened. Increased funding would allow SINYC to expand its reach and advocate for policy changes that address issues like copyright protection for young artists—an area that remains neglected despite the significant contribution of youth in the arts and culture sector.
The Need for Stronger Government Commitment
While donor partners such as UNICEF and New Zealand’s Pacific Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment Partnership (PYEEEP) have supported youth development efforts, the Solomon Islands government must take a more proactive role in driving the success of these initiatives.
Effective collaboration with development partners is essential, but this must be coupled with a government commitment to ensuring that youth policies are implemented in a way that leads to tangible outcomes.
At present, the government’s lack of commitment to youth development is alarming. With approximately 70 percent of young people in the country still without access to structured programs or opportunities, the Solomon Islands’ youth are being left behind.
The government of the day must make young people the central focus of its policies, ensuring that their needs are met and their potential fully realized.
A Call to Action for All Stakeholders
The clock is ticking. The National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030, through ambitious, remains far from fully realized. If we are to fulfill the policy’s promises and align it with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is imperative that all stakeholders—government agencies, donor partners, youth organizations, and civil society—work together to accelerate the implementation of youth policies.
The government must commit to increasing budget allocations, creating clear timelines for the finalization of the youth policy documents, and fostering stronger partnerships with donor agencies.
Additionally, empowering youth organizations like SINYC to advocate for and implement policy changes is critical to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and acted upon.
This is not just a call to the government; it is a call to all of us. We must invest in our youth today if we are to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for the Solomon Islands. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. Their dreams, aspirations, and potential cannot be ignored any longer.
The future of the Solomon Islands depends on the commitments we make now. Let’s prioritize youth development and ensure that the National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030 is not just a document, but a living, breathing strategy that empowers the next generation of Solomon Islanders.
Comments
Post a Comment