The Director General of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) highlighted some very important points for youths to consider, while speaking at the opening of the Mock Youth Parlaiment in Port Moresby city on Monday, 18th November. The Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki, started his speech by echoing a statement by the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, stating, “Leadership is a journey where we all young people travel on the way we will encounter grief; we will climb mountains and steep valleys as we progress on. The journey won't be that smooth.” “What will sustain us and keep us going is our determination and motivation that we have developed, and we stand on to come and sit in a meeting like this." Also, in his key point he emphasized strongly on the importance of youths, where youths play a pivotal role in the development of this country. He encouraged the youths to actively take part in church activities, community decision making and involve themselves in government services. He further stated that youth issues that we face today are cross cutting and multi-dimensional, whereas government alone cannot provide a solution to it, no churches alone can provide an answer to it or development partners alone. “It requires collective efforts, collaboration and partnership to drive the Youth Agenda forward and create a better conducive society for our next generation of leaders.” In conclusion, he made a final appeal to the youths to make a firm stand and take every opportunity presented to them by attending such forums or sessions. Meanwhile, his department and other development partners are willing and ready to provide them with the vital tools necessary to support them and guide them through. “These are the forums that you equip yourself and position yourself, so that you could be a beacon of hope for your community, for your village, for your society and perhaps the country at large.” Moreover, Mr. Itaki was very pleased that such programs as the Mock Youth Parliament session are held to empower youths and enable the Voice of the Youths to be heard when it comes to the real parliament sittings.