THE Western Provincial Capital of Gizo came alive on Monday as hundreds of youths joined the global community to celebrate the International Youth Day.
The annual event is aimed at highlighting the significance of youth empowerment and engagement and the celebration of this year’s event in Gizo was marked with a series of activities.
Young people from various communities across Gizo Island came together to mark the event based on the theme; “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”
The event was held at the MSG building and saw a significant turnout, with youth leaders, local officials, and community members all in attendance.
The event began with a colorful parade from PT109 to the MSG building.
In his keynote address, the Western Province Deputy Premier Calrick Runimetu emphasized that it is all the more fitting in light of the many challenges and threats of food insecurity, climate change-induced sea-level rise, diseases, pandemics, frequent storms and other national disasters to both humans and livestock.
MPA Runimetu, who is also the Minister of Finance, said as an island nation and a province, Solomon Islands and Western Province are very susceptible to these natural phenomena.
He said the Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement (ACAREA) Government, as a responsible government, is very conscious of the negative impacts of these phenomena occurrences and the need for collaboration amongst various stakeholders to mitigate potential associated risks.
“Today we are gathered specifically to commemorate this very important date, August 12th, being the day set aside by United Nations so that governments and stakeholders can draw attention to youth issues globally,” MPA Runimetu added.
The International Youth Day activities included; cultural performances, modern dancing and singing, traditional and modern king and queen shows aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Western Province and modern influences.
For the Traditional King and Queen Show, Malakerava Youths won the first prize, whilst the first prize for the Modern King and Queen show went to the Paelongo Youths.
More than 100 youths from Saeragi to Gizo attended the colorful event.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Two of the contestants
Gizo SDA Pathfinders leading the International Youth Day parade
