First Youth Commission Board Meeting on 11th &12th March, 2026, Strengthening Youth Ministry in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

 The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI) Youth Commission convened its first board meeting for 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening youth ministry across the region. The meeting marked an important step in moving from planning and assessment toward the practical implementation of pastoral priorities aimed at empowering young Catholics and strengthening their participation in the life of the Church.

Seven of the ten members of the Youth Commission Board attended the two-day meeting. During the sessions, members reviewed the Commission’s mandate, discussed key pastoral priorities, and outlined programs designed to support youth ministry at parish, diocesan, and national levels.

Strengthening Structures for Youth Ministry:

The Youth Commission operates within the broader pastoral framework of the Church and responds to the directions of the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. The Commission meets twice a year to review progress and coordinate initiatives that support the pastoral care and formation of young people.

The current Youth Commission Secretary, who assumed office in 2023, has been tasked with implementing aspects of the Christus Vivit- Post Synodal Exhortation of Pope Francis to the young people and the entire people of God and the Conference Pastoral Plan II (CPP II), particularly in ensuring that effective structures exist to connect the Youth Commission with dioceses, parishes, and ecclesial groups.

An important development in this process has been the establishment of a Youth Commission Board. Formed in the previous year, the board consists of ten members and includes representatives of the Youth Commission leadership, regional youth representatives, and youth animators who assist in accompanying and mentoring young people in pastoral activities.

Among the members are Bishop Pedro Baquero SDB, Bishop John Bosco Auram, and Sr. Sharon Palencia, Secretary of the Youth Commission. Regional youth representatives bring the voice and perspective of young people from different parts of the country, while youth animators support the Commission in coordinating and implementing youth pastoral initiatives.

Pastoral Vision and Theme:

The work of the Youth Commission is guided by the pastoral theme: “Living Youth in Christ Inspired by Peter Torot's example.” This theme highlights the call for young Catholics to deepen their faith, grow in discipleship, and actively contribute to the mission of the Church.

Through this vision, the Commission seeks to strengthen the spiritual, personal, and leadership development of young people across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

From Profiling to Implementation:

In recent years, the Youth Commission conducted a profiling and assessment process to better understand the realities, needs, and strengths of young Catholics in the region. This process provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing youth ministry today.

Having completed this assessment phase, the Commission is now entering a new stage focused on implementing practical programs and initiatives that respond to these findings.

To guide this work, the Commission has identified seven key priorities that will shape youth ministry activities over the coming years. While the meeting acknowledged all seven priorities, discussions focused particularly on the first two, which are considered foundational.

Key Priority Areas:

1. Well-Organised Youth Ministry

The Commission emphasized the importance of establishing well-structured youth ministry at parish and diocesan levels. Effective organization and coordination are essential to ensure that youth programs are consistent, sustainable, and closely integrated with the broader pastoral life of the Church.

This priority includes strengthening communication among dioceses, supporting parish youth groups, and promoting collaboration among different youth movements and Church organizations.

2. Empowered and Self-Reliant Young People

Another key focus is the empowerment of young Catholics to become confident leaders who can actively participate in the mission of the Church and contribute positively to society.

Programs under this priority aim to develop leadership skills, promote responsibility, and encourage young people to take initiative in pastoral and community activities. The Commission hopes that through such formation, young Catholics will grow in faith while also becoming agents of positive change within their communities.

Planned Activities and Upcoming Events:

The board meeting also discussed several activities that will support the implementation of these priorities. Among these is a youth workshop scheduled for July, which will focus on leadership formation and pastoral development for young people.

Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Youth Commission Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for April. The outcomes of the board meeting will be presented at the AGM in the form of recommendations and resolutions to guide future activities.

Preparation for World Youth Day 2027:

An important topic addressed during the meeting was preparation for World Youth Day 2027, which will take place from 3–8 August 2027 in Seoul, South Korea.

The Youth Commission recognizes the importance of this global Catholic gathering and is beginning early preparations to ensure meaningful participation by young people from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Plans include spiritual formation programs, leadership training for youth representatives, fundraising initiatives, and close coordination with dioceses and parish youth ministries.

Through these preparations, the Commission hopes to support young Catholics in deepening their faith and strengthening their connection with the universal Church.

Conclusion:

The First Youth Commission Board Meeting of 2026 represents a significant step forward in strengthening youth ministry across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. By moving from assessment to implementation, the Youth Commission is positioning itself to provide more effective support for young Catholics and to promote greater youth participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Through strengthened structures, leadership formation, and preparation for major events such as World Youth Day 2027, the Commission remains committed to nurturing a vibrant and faith-filled generation of young Catholics inspired to live their faith and serve their communities.