The youths in the Sumkar district in Madang province now have a District Youth Development Council to run programs that will help the youths in their development and contribution to their community. The establishment of the Sumkar District Youth Development Council on the 23rd of June at the Sumgilbar Local Level Government (LLG) Chambers in Gibrin, was the direct result of the partnership between the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) and the Sumkar District Development Authority (DDA). The establishment brought together a total of 128 Youth representatives from the 33 wards of Karkar and 31 wards of Sumgilbar to convene a Youth Forum in which the two Local Youth Development Councils were established before the formation of the District Youth Development Council. With this launching, Sumkar districts now sets the pace for other districts in Madang province to follow suit in establishing this youth voice mechanism so that the concerns and aspirations of their youths can be accommodated in the decision-making processes. For too long, youths have been regarded as bystanders and observers only but it is high time this perception is changes and involve youths as active participants in the community through the District Youth Council mechanism, which is deemed the ideal platform that allows for youth participation in the mainstream development process. It bestows a sense of responsibility and authority upon youths themselves to manage their affairs with respect to the societal norms and values. Being recognized as a youth leader restores their dignity and gives them a standing in the society, which in turn will contribute positively to containing law & order issues within the communities they live in. Meanwhile, there was an election of the executives as well for the newly established Youth Development Council that took place. The mobilization and election of executives, as the formal youth voice, was consistent with NYDA Act 2014. The swearing in of the District Youth Development Council executives was conducted by Madang District Court Senior Magistrate George Epor, witnessed by District Administrator, Mr. Charles Katu, Sumgilbar LLG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Joe Bess, Karkar LLG CEO Mr. Ian Beb, the Mayor of Madang Town Peter Yalsi, and officiated by the Deputy Director General-Policy of the NYDA, Mr. Roby Duri. The Member of Sumkar, Alexander Orme is also supportive of the youth program in the district. “The DDA plans to use the platform and network to dispatch youth programs. Youth Partners and stakeholders are welcome to join hands to empower our youths of Sumkar,” said the local MP.