The Nuku District Station in the West Sepik province came alive last week Friday 17th of November, with the celebration of the establishment of the Nuku District Youth Development Council. The youth, community and government officials converged at the Nuku Central Local Level Government (LLG) Chambers to witness the swearing in of the youth leaders from the four (4) Local Youth Development Councils (Nuku Central, Palai, Yangkok and Maimai Wanwan) into office as executives of the District Youth Development Council (DYDC). The newly appointed executives were sworn in by the local magistrate, His Honour Nasihing Bingtau. An historic moment for the young people in the district that will pave way for empowerment and meaningful integration. This is the wave of change for the youth and the new order now sweeping across the country through the initiative of DYDC, created by the NYDA. DYDC is a stakeholder collaboration vehicle and a brainchild of NYDA Director General Joe Itaki in taking the government's development agenda of 'Leaving No Child Behind' and tailoring it to suit NYDA's own mandate of 'Leaving No Youth Behind.' Mr. Itaki said that the young people are the greatest agents of change in the country. "To be young is definitely one of the most beautiful times in a person's life. They are full of energy, dreams and have so many aspirations. But there are many challenges too," says Mr. Itaki., Therefore, he said collaboration and partnership is the way forward. The establishment of the DYDC provides the opportunity for the youth voice to be heard in the broader decision-making forums such as LLG, DDA Board, Provincial Assembly. For the first time it gives greater participation for the youth in the subnational governments and their aspirations are heard and captured in these development programs. The Nuku DYDC swearing in was witnessed by the NYDA Deputy Director General, Mr. Roby Duri, who officially declared and launched the newly established youth development councils. Mr Duri explained that they have signed declarations of oaths, which now confers them the leadership role stipulated in the NYDA Act 2014. Duri encouraged the youth leaders to work alongside the District and LLG administrations and raise the youth profile of the district. Meanwhile, the District Administrator, Mr. Paul Nengai, stressed the importance of leadership and told the youth leaders that their responsibility comes with trust and respect; therefore, they must aspire to rise up to the occasion. He explained that the Chairperson of Nuku DYDC, Mr Junior Kipai, now has a great task ahead of him with his executives and can be called upon to join the DDA & LLG Level. On behalf of local MP Mr. Joseph Sungi, who wasn't present, Mr. Nengai expressed sincere gratitude and thanked NYDA in taking the call from the District to partner and engage actively with the youth. The community in general was very supportive of the Nuku DYDC and pledged to work with the young leaders going forward. Engaging the youth meaningfully and life opportunities will keep them away from trouble and social issues associated with young people who have nothing to do. The NYDA also thanked Joseph Sungi, MP for Nuku and Minister for Public Service in mobilising the district youth through his foresight and strong leadership. Ends//EM