Minister for Youth, Religion, and Community Development, Jason Peter, recently highlighted youth unemployment as a critical issue facing Papua New Guinea, linking it to growing social challenges such as crime and poverty. Speaking after the presentation of funding and equipment to health and education programs in Huon District in Morobe province recently, the Minister outlined plans for a new policy framework to create sustainable job opportunities for young people across the country. He emphasized the need for collaboration with sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to build viable career pathways. “Youth unemployment is a cross-cutting issue," the Minister stressed. In addition, he also noted his ministry’s partnerships with other agencies to support job creation in these field areas.