The 2024 Inaugural Youth Summit reached its 3rd day on Monday 12th August, 2024. Under the theme: Empowering Youths for a Better and Progressive NCD, the summit was an initiative by Governor for NCD Powes Parkop aimed at inspiring, discussing ideas and bringing more opportunities young people in the nation’s capital. Present at the summit was Governor Parkop, Resident Coordinator UN, Richard Howard and Prime Minister James Marape. While speaking, PM Marape stated that education still remains the number one pursuit among youths. He added that it was his goal to see any student left behind in their school journey. “We want every youth to make it to Grade 12, in order to do so, we have opened up many paths to get you there.” He further encouraged the youths who may face difficulty obtaining employment saying that getting a job is crucial, but they must be innovative and create their own jobs whether they complete school or not. “Life is not measured by university degrees.” He also commended the NCD Governor for the initiative and for working with youths in the city. Meanwhile Governor Parkop stressed the importance of youth in the country’s development. “It is good to have young people together as they bring their energy, creativity and new ideas into the city.” Presently, young people and adolescents make up 60% of PNG’s total population.