Honiara, Solomon Islands – 28 September 2026: The National Youth and Children’s Parliament 2026 begins today at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament Office in Honiara, bringing together approximately 50 children and young people from across Solomon Islands to learn about parliamentary processes, discuss issues affecting their communities, and present their views and recommendations.
Held from 28 September to 1 October, the programme is organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, with support from UNICEF and funding from the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
This year’s Parliament is held under the theme, “Our Voices, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive and Accessible Social Services for All.”
“Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to leadership, civic responsibility, and the future development of our nation,” Speaker of the National Parliament, Honourable Patterson Oti, told participants when he officially opened the event today.
“This year’s theme recognizes that the voice of children and young people matters. You will learn about the foundation of our democratic system and the important role played by Parliament, as well as the distinct roles of the Executive and the Judiciary. You will gain a deep appreciation of parliamentary democracy, public policy development, electoral processes, national development priorities, and the delivery of essential services to our people,” the Hon. Speaker said.
The theme provides an opportunity for children and young people to explore how decision-making and social service delivery can better respond to community needs, including through stronger provincial and local governance.
Discussions will focus on issues affecting children, young people, and their communities, including education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, the environment, child protection, and social protection.
The programme builds on the National Youth Parliament, first organised in 2009. Similar programmes were also held in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
For 2026, the programme is particularly significant as it has expanded to include both children and youth, with participants from Honiara and the provinces. It aims to provide a more inclusive and representative platform for young people from diverse backgrounds.
Over four days, participants will learn about children’s rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, governance systems, parliamentary procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of Parliament. They will also take part in committee discussions, prepare speeches, and participate in a parliamentary simulation.
The programme will conclude with a mock parliamentary sitting on Thursday, 1 October, where participants will debate motions and present resolutions following parliamentary procedures. Their recommendations will then be presented to the Speaker of the National Parliament.
The programme also recognises children’s right to express their views on matters affecting them, consistent with Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Participants, aged 10 to 35, are drawn from schools, youth networks, and provincial communities, with efforts made to promote gender balance, provincial diversity, and the representation of persons with disabilities.
The National Parliament acknowledges the support of UNICEF and the EU in making the initiative possible. The Parliament sees the Children and Youth Parliament as an important platform for participation and learning, giving young people an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking and leadership skills, and contribute their views on issues that are important to their communities and the nation.
