The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Lord Fakafanua today emphasized the importance of youth voices and their role in decision-making as he officially opened the Tonga Youth Parliament (TYP) 2024 in Nuku’alofa. The event, running from today until Friday, September 6, highlights the crucial role our youth plays in addressing national issues that affect their lives and in shaping political decisions.

In his opening remarks, Lord Fakafanua emphasized the Youth Parliament theme, "Ko hotau Fale Alea," or “Our Parliament”, which seeks to foster greater political engagement among young people. The initiative not only aims to involve youth in political discussions but also to equip them with leadership skills and provide a platform for them to voice their opinions at the national level.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of our Legislative Assembly's annual calendar, designed to encourage active citizen participation in political processes, particularly among the youth,” Lord Fakafanua said.

He also noted that according to the 2021 Census, approximately 60 percent of Tonga’s population is under 29, underscoring the significant role of youth in the country. Despite this, he pointed out that youth involvement in political decision-making remains limited, partly due to perceptions that they lack the experience required for leadership roles.

Lord Fakafanua addressed two major factors contributing to this issue: the assumption that young people are inexperienced and the prevailing belief that they are not ready to take on leadership positions.

“Even though many young people are already demonstrating strong leadership in various sectors, age and perceived lack of experience often hinder their political aspirations,” he explained.

The Lord Speaker emphasized the need for platforms like Youth Parliament to empower the younger generation and ensure their perspectives are considered in national issues. “There is an urgent need for their ideas, expertise, and voices to be included in discussions on critical matters affecting both their futures and our nation,” he added.

This year’s TYP is the first to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruptions. Lord Fakafanua welcomed the 4th cohort of TYP since the 2010 Political reform and extended his best wishes for their deliberations over the next two days.

On Monday, the TYP 2024 members elected Adi Mitimiti Pasikala, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 5, as the Prime Minister Designate. Pasikala, 32, expressed her commitment to making a difference for her electorate, particularly young people, and hopes the Youth Parliament initiative will continue to support and promote youth leadership in the future.

Joseph ‘Aho, the Noble Representative for Tongatapu No. 1, serves as the Chair of the TYP 2024 Whole House Committee. In his vote of thanks, he acknowledged the Lord Speaker’s support for empowering youth and pledged to tackle his responsibilities with dedication.

Today’s session saw the tabling of 13 motions—four on education, three on climate change, four on illicit drugs, and two on general issues.

The Lord Speaker also expressed gratitude for the support from local facilitators, the UNDP Pacific Office through the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI) funded by the New Zealand Government, the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, and the Government of Tonga for their sponsorship of TYP 2024.

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