Solomon Islands National Youth and Children’s Parliament opens in Honiara

The 2026 National Youth and Children’s Parliament has convened at the Paul Tovua Complex in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The four-day event, running from September 28 to October 1, brings together approximately 50 young delegates aged 10 to 35 from both urban centers and remote provincial villages.

Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti officially opened the session, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and the role of youth in national development. This year’s assembly marks an evolution from previous iterations by formally expanding its scope to include children and placing a specific emphasis on gender balance, regional diversity, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Operating under the theme “Our Voices, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive and Accessible Social Services for All,” participants are debating national priorities including climate action, healthcare access, clean water, sanitation, and child protection. The program is organized by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands with support from UNICEF and funding from the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.

The session serves as a leadership intensive covering legislative procedures, human rights, and public policy. The event will conclude with a mock parliamentary debate, after which delegates will submit drafted resolutions to Speaker Oti for presentation to national government leadership.