Are We Really Including Youth in National Conversations?

A call for more accessible spaces where young Solomon Islanders can engage, question, and help shape the country’s future.

Where do young people fit into the conversations that shape the future of Solomon Islands?

That question has emerged following the GREAT Coalition Government’s recent Policy Statement launch, with renewed calls for national discussions to become more open, accessible, and inclusive.

Dr Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, believes the way we hold these conversations matters just as much as the policies themselves.

Reflecting on the Government’s Policy Statement launch at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Dr Aqorau raised concerns about the continued use of formal spaces that many ordinary Solomon Islanders may not easily access.

“For too long, successive governments have launched major national policies in expensive hotels, spaces that many ordinary Solomon Islanders do not normally enter,” Dr Aqorau said.

“That choice says something.”

For Dr Aqorau, the issue is not simply about a venue. It is about creating opportunities for citizens, especially young people, to be part of national conversations.

He said the Government had an opportunity to take a different approach by bringing the launch to a more public and youthful space.

“It could have launched its Policy Statement at the Solomon Islands National University, in a public, accessible, youthful, national space,” he said.

“It could have invited students, academics, churches, civil society, market vendors, provincial representatives, youth groups, and ordinary citizens to hear, question, and engage with the country’s policy direction.”

“It could have sent a powerful message, that national policy belongs to the people.”

Why Youth Voices Matter

Young people make up a significant part of Solomon Islands’ population, and Dr Aqorau says their voices must be central in discussions about the country’s future.

“We speak of inclusion, participation, youth empowerment, and people-centred development, but too often, our national conversations are still held in exclusive spaces,” he said.

He believes policies should not only be announced but should become part of a wider public conversation.

“A government policy statement should be announced. It should be owned, debated, questioned, and understood by the people whose lives it is meant to improve,” Dr Aqorau said.

Youth Leaders Welcome the Conversation

The message has received support from youth leaders, including Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) General Secretary Josie Anne Ashley.

Ms Josie said while Dr Aqorau was speaking in his personal capacity, his message reflected the importance of ensuring young people are part of national discussions.

“While Dr Transform is speaking in his personal capacity, and likely reflecting views from his role at SINU, it is important to note that he is also a valued member of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress National Executive Committee,” Ms Josie said.

“Given his role with us, I believe it's clear he spoke with the young people of this country firmly in mind.”

Josie said Solomon Islands National Youth Congress believes young people must be placed at the centre of conversations about policies that affect their future.

“National policies are blueprints for the future, and because youth make up the vast majority of our population, they deserve to be at the centre of these conversations,” she said.

She added that future policy discussions should happen in spaces where people can genuinely participate.

“Major national policy launches and discussions should ideally happen in accessible spaces, like our national university, where ordinary citizens, students, and youth groups can genuinely engage, question, and take ownership of their country's direction,” Ashley said.

Taking Policy to the People

Dr Aqorau concluded his message with a call for change, not only in what government does, but also in how it connects with citizens.

“If we are serious about a different future, we must also change the symbols and habits of governance,” he said.

“Take policy to the people.”

“Start with young people.”

“Start at the national university.”

As Solomon Islands continues to shape its development journey, the conversation remains an important one: young people should not only be invited to witness the future being created—they should have a voice in creating it.