The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wau Waria District of the Morobe province, Marsh Narewec, is calling for a reform of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Act 2014 to ensure the provinces and districts work closely with the youth authority in organising youth activities and programs. This call follows Prime Minister James Marape’s bold statement on the 18th of January 2024 on the urgency of mobilizing all youths around the country for productive engagement in reaction to the events of the infamous “Black Wednesday”. The call was put out for all youths between 15 and 30 years of age to be mobilized and the responsibility for mobilizing these youths around the country will be passed back to all Provinces and Districts in the country, through the existing Service Improvement Program (“SIP”) funding from the National Government. However, as it currently stands, the NYDA structure which is responsible for the mobilization of all Youths in the country does seem to have a disconnect with the Provincial Assemblies, District Development Authorities (DDAs) and Local Level Governments (LLGs). This could potentially limit the effectiveness of youth representation in decision-making processes, particularly where SIP funding is concerned. The MP called upon the National Government to consider the following potential steps for reform: 1. Legislative Change: Pass laws that provide a legislative basis for youth representatives from the Youth Council structure to participate in decision-making at all levels of government. 2. Integration of Structures: Consider restructuring NYDA to integrate it more closely with Provincial Assemblies, DDAs and LLGs. This could involve creating formal links or pathways between these entities and the Youth Councils. 3. Representation in Decision-making Bodies: Push for seats to be reserved for youth representatives in the Provincial Assemblies, DDAs and LLGs. This would ensure youth voices are heard directly where decisions are being made; and 4. Youth Consultation: Implement regular consultation processes with youth and youth organizations when making decisions, particularly those that directly affect young people. The MP also recommends that any public consultations on the reform of the NYDA structure must be co-led by a credible Youth NGO so that the reforms are not only meaningful but must be aggressive so as not to protect the interests of Government bodies only but must seriously addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. “I look forward to working closely with the Ministry for Community Development, Religion and Youth to follow through on the outcomes of the proposed areas for Reform to ensure that we have a response from the National Government on its strategy for mobilization and engagement of youths and to have these longstanding issues addressed immediately.” Mr. Narewec has commenced engagements with the National Youth Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reform process flows smoothly, and the issues are addressed.