Minister lauds efforts of EYC US Embassy launches youth initiative
THE United States Embassy welcomed nine Pacific youths, representing Fiji, Tonga, and Kiribati, into the 2022-2024 US Embassy Youth Council (EYC) on Thursday.
Since 2020, the EYC has provided insight and advice to the US Embassy on the issues and challenges affecting Pacific youth.
Chief guest and Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, lauded the hard work done by the EYC for their work over the past two years.
At the end of the event, Mr Saukuru met EYC members and learned more about their goals and plans.
While launching the new cohort, US Ambassador Marie Damour welcomed the new members and impressed upon them the impact that they would have on the US Embassy’s youth engagement.
“You are our link to the rising generation of Pacific youth and this is your seat at the table to help us shape initiatives and programs that reflect your priorities and concerns,” she said.
Ms Damour also commended the inaugural 2020-2022 EYC cohort, who persevered against the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The inaugural council, despite the lockdowns and travel restrictions, found meaningful ways to improve the lives of Pacific Island youth most notably through virtual talanoa sessions which reached more than 20,000 youth and gave them the social support necessary to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.”
The EYC also develops youth-centric programs and projects focused on such priority issues as diversity and inclusion, mental wellness and economic recovery.
You are our link to the rising generation of Pacific youth and this is your seat at the table
to help us shape initiatives and programs that reflect your priorities ...
– Marie Damour