National Youth Development Authority
Empowering Papua New Guinea’s youth and fostering their active participation in shaping our nation’s future
“Welcome to the official website of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) of Papua New Guinea. As the Director General, it is my honor to share with you the vital role NYDA plays in empowering our nation’s youth, and fostering their active participation in shaping the future of Papua New Guinea.”
The NYDA is committed to delivering on its mandate as outlined in the National Youth Policy 2020–2030, and the MTDP IV. The policy serves as a blueprint for addressing the challenges faced by our youth while unlocking their immense potential to contribute to national development. At the heart of this policy, we have four key thematic areas:
These key thematic areas reflect a clear pathway for NYDA and its stakeholders to work in partnership, and consistent with NYDA Act 2014.
One of the NYDA flagship programs is the implementation of District Youth Councils—a transformative initiative that empowers young people at sub-national and national levels to have their voices heard in the formal decision-making forums. These councils are critical in ensuring that no young person is left behind as we embark on creating inclusive and equitable society. So far NYDA established 23 District Youth Development Councils (DYDCs) with 96 Local Level Youth Development Councils (LLYDCs) since its inception in 2020.
From January 2024 onwards, the Prime Minister Honourable James Marape has directed the Ministry to formulate a sector strategy aimed at responding to the youth bulge issues. Accordingly, NYDA developed a sector strategy labelled as : “Pathway for Youth Empowerment and Employability Strategy 2025-2029” – a strategy which acts as the catchment basket to absorb out of school and unemployed youths each year and process them into soft skill training , labour mobility program etc. The Sector Strategy has been spearheaded by NYDA in close consultation with the concerned Ministry agencies. The NEC has approved the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) as per NEC decision No 61/2025.
Exciting times are on foot following the development of the sector strategy, and the Prime Minister’s commitment on the out-of-school youths. NYDA is uniquely positioned to drive lasting impacts by exploring multiple referral pathways for the empowerment of youths. Through holistic and human-centered approaches, we are integrating innovative and digital solutions to ensure youth have access to the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in the 21st century. This includes providing training programs, fostering leadership skills, and addressing inequalities so that every young person can realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to development discourse.
Reflecting on the achievements during my tenure, I am proud of the progress we have made which settles well in my initial intuition. There many program interventions that resides on the main youth policy framework and we were able to dissect each and provide avenues for youth empowerment However, there is still more to be done, together, with the unwavering support of our partners, DDAs, and the Churches, we will continue to champion the aspirations of our youth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of national development.
Thank you for visiting our website and lets joins hands to walk the journey for a brighter future of youths of this beautiful Island Country – Papua New Guinea.
The NYDA is a stand-alone government agency under the Ministry for Youth, Religion and Community Development and is responsible for youth affairs in the country. Guided by the NYDA Act 2014, the NYDA facilitates, coordinates and delivers positive youth development programs aimed at mobilizing youth groups in local communities to work in unity towards strengthening family units and improving the quality of life of our people through partnership; collaboration with provincial, district and local level government administrations, churches, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, and development partners.
Empowered, capable and values driven young people contributing to a safe, prosperous, and united Papua New Guinea.
To lead and coordinate a national ecosystem for youth development—policy, programs, and partnerships—so every young person in PNG has the chance to learn, work, participate, and thrive.
The branch oversees youth mobilization, networking, and engagement by establishing youth council networks and enhancing subnational participation to empower youth in decision-making and local development. It also manages skills development, employment, sports, heath, culture, and international relations to promote inclusive learning and employment pathways, support holistic youth development, and lead strategic youth-focused initiatives at national and international levels.
We exist to serve PNG’s youth with humility, urgency, and accountability.
We amplify youth voice and leadership at all levels.
We prioritise inclusion for girls, youth with disabilities, and rural youth.
We uphold transparency, good governance, and evidence-based decisions.
We work with all partners to achieve impact at scale.
We test and adapt practical solutions that open pathways for youth.
Lead the national youth policy agenda and set standards for quality youth programming.
Establish and support Youth Councils to embed youth voice in planning and service delivery.
Identify, register, and refer out-of-school youth to training, jobs, and enterprise support.
Convene multi-sector partnerships to coordinate and scale youth opportunities.
Strengthen youth workers, volunteers, and council members with training and mentoring.
Generate and use data to target interventions and track results.
Youth Development Council Network is the formal youth voice mechanism in the District. Youths are mobilized from the ward, LLG, and District to form this forum where their voices are heard, and the District Authorities interact through this body. It serves as the mouthpiece for youths with legal recognition under the NYDA Act 2014.
Step
Activity
Explanation
1
Awareness
Awareness is carried out targeting MPs, Provincial Administration and DDA on the importance of youth development council.
2
Consultation
Upon invitation from the MPs, District Administrator or the Provincial Administrator, NYDA visits the province or district for further consultation and establishment of partnership through an MOU.
3
Mobilization
Youths are identified and registered at the ward or LLG level to determine youth leaders within a youth group and eventual establishment of a local youth development council.
4
Youth Forum/General Assembly
Youth leaders are assembled and a forum is held to gauge their views and opinions on issues.
5
Develop or amend Constitutions
Develop or and review Constitution and upon agreement adopt by a majority in the youth development council General Assembly meeting.
6
Elections
The executive positions for the youth development councils are contested. There Is an eligibility criterion to vie for the four (4) positions (chair, vice, secretary and treasurer) and election procedure.
7
Youth council establishment
The Executives are commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths. The Director General decares and launches the established youth development council. A letter or certification of recognition is issued from the office of the Director General.
8
Capacity Building Training
Trainings geared towards enhancing leadership skills of the youth executives.
RYG is a new sporting concept targeting the rural youths who have less opportunity of participating in formally sanctioned sporting codes. We have huge sporting potential and rural talents locked in the rural areas, they need some exposure in the mainstream sporting arena, hence the RYG concept creates that platform or them to show case. The RYG Council at the national level comprises of the tripartite parties that is NYDA, PNGSF and Department of Religion and Community Development. The RYG Committees at the regional level works with the Games Organizing Committees in hosting districts to organize and stage the Games on a biennial basis targeting district team participation.
Sporting events not only promote physical well-being but also foster camaraderie and unity among youths. The Regional Youth Games (RYG) serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, engage in healthy competition, and celebrate diversity. The game also instils values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, contributing to holistic youth development.
Our flagship program establishing youth leadership structures across Papua New Guinea.
Grassroots youth development initiatives at the community level.
Collaborations with government agencies, churches, and DDAs for maximum impact.
Comprehensive training programs for youth empowerment and employability.
23
96
2020
Linking young people to technical and vocational education, workplace learning, and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening youth councils and building youth leaders who contribute to national and community decision-making.
Promoting healthy lifestyles, sports, mental health support, and awareness of social issues.
Ensuring rural youth, young women, and those living with disabilities have access to opportunities and services.
Since our establishment, NYDA has achieved significant milestones in youth development across Papua New Guinea, creating lasting impact through strategic partnerships and innovative programs.
Government Agencies
Churches & Religious Organizations
District Development Authorities (DDAs)
Community Organizations
Educational Institutions
Private Sector Partners
An overview of our progress, key achievements, and program highlights from the third quarter of 2025.
A deep dive into the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) and its impact on local communities.
The complete legislative act establishing the National Youth Development Authority and its functions.
The official policy document outlining the strategic direction for youth development in Papua New Guinea.
Find answers to common questions about NYDA, our programs, and how to get involved.
We welcome inquiries from youth, partners, and stakeholders interested in our mission to empower Papua New Guinea’s youth.
National Youth Development Authority
P.O Box 1028, Waigani
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
+675 323 1228
+675 180 0968
nyrc@nyda.gov.pg
sector.response@nyda.gov.pg
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:06 PM