CNMI to host three-day 5th Micronesian Youth Summit

Members of the Micronesian Youth Services Inc. have decided to hold their fifth annual assembly on Saipan next month. This year’s theme is “Strengthen Micronesian Community—One Youth at a Time.”

Slated from March 30 to April 1, the three-day Micronesian Youth Summit is expected to bring hundreds of participants from Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, which includes Yap, Kosrae, Phonpei, and Chuuk.

According to steering committee chair Frances Sablan, the event’s first day is for the registration while the forum and workshop will take place in the next two days.

Sablan said the venue has yet to be finalized as of press time.

Saipan Tribune learned that this is the second time that Saipan will host the event.

Organized by the Micronesian Youth Services Network, the occasion is primarily designed for youth service providers or groups and nonprofit organizations that work on the development and progress of community youths.

Current issues faced by the youth will be the focus of this year’s conference, Sablan said.

“There’s a great need to discuss issues that primarily affect our youths and one important topic is to determine what’s the proper and legal age for them to drink alcohol,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Sablan admitted that, although some laws are in existence for the youths’ welfare, she believes that more laws are needed to ensure youths are protected.

A pending legislation about the Juvenile Justice Act is also among the agenda to be discussed by participants.

Sablan said students and youths from selected schools will be invited to participate in the demonstrations.

Presentations of the island’s indigenous songs and dances are also expected from invited youth groups.

“To better give our participants a better idea about what are the possible effective youth campaigns, we have asked for a Teen Talk presentation,” Sablan said.

Teen Talk is a television show primarily created for teenagers. Segment topics focus on what’s “in” at the moment. The show is organized by the Public School System.

Sablan disclosed that the Criminal Justice Planning Agency’s Youth Advisory Council is collaboratively working with the Micronesian Youth Services Inc. and had donated $10,000 for the event. The steering committee, she added, is also soliciting assistance from government agencies and the Governor’s Office.

It is the event’s objective to strengthen the ties and network of groups in the Micronesian region.

During the occasion, members will recognize businesses and individuals who constantly devote time and assistance to the event.