UNDP hosts its first-ever Youth Empowerment Bootcamp in Bougainville

Over 30 Participants, mostly from atolls, engaged in the youth bootcamp. Photos: UNDP Papua New Guinea/ Hiroe Ono

From 28–30 May 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the North Bougainville Women’s Office and the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), hosted the first-ever Youth Empowerment Bootcamp in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Held at the Innovation Hub in Buka—built by UNDP with support from the Government of Japan—the training brought together over 30 young participants, primarily from Bougainville’s highly climate-vulnerable atoll communities. The bootcamp focused on building knowledge and skills in climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and gender equality.

The training was held under the Pacific Green Transformation Project funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP PNG. Photo: UNDP Papua New Guinea/ Hiroe Ono

The workshop aimed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to take climate action in their communities and launch climate-friendly businesses. A key feature of the training was the Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, empowering participants to share what they learned among their peers once they return home.

Hon. Amanda Masono, Minister of Public Service of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, delivered opening remarks at the Innovation Hub in Buka. Photo: UNDP Papua New Guinea/ Hiroe Ono

Honourable Amanda Masono, Minister for Public Service of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Representative of the North Bougainville Women’s Office opened the bootcamp by expressing her appreciate to the Government of Japan and UNDP for their support in constructing the Innovation Hub. “A warm gratitude and thank you to the people of Japan for the funding that enables the youths to call this hub a safe space to come and learn, equip and empower themselves economically and socially,” she remarked. Minister Masono also acknowledged the collaborative effort that made the learning event possible, stating, “The office of the North Bougainville Women is truly grateful for the partnership with UNDP for the delivery of a first-of-its-kind training to our youths.”

Minister Masono emphasized the importance of the Innovation Hub as an accessible resource, encouraging young participants to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers. She elaborated, “This is your Hub. This is the space for you to come and learn. It’s a one-stop shop for you to train and upskill to be more empowered. Do not discourage yourself.”  She also shared her vision for a brighter future where climate action fuels economic growth: “It is my strongest desire that once equipped these youths will lead climate advocacy and smart innovation businesses to ignite change for our communities in atolls and North Bougainville.”

Most of the youth participants are from the atolls that are on the frontlines of climate change. The ToT style training has driven the aspiration of youth islanders, ensuring consistent knowledge sharing.

The workshop aims to empower youth in the Northern Bougainville communities. Photo: UNDP Papua New Guinea/ Hiroe Ono

One of the participants of the bootcamp was Ms. Lama Teffatu who travelled over 24 hours from her remote island of Mortlockorock to attend the training in Buka. “I wanted to learn how climate change is going to affect our island.  Some people in our villages are not well-educated. I want to share what I learned with my spouse, sister and brother.  Learning never stops. The future is us,” she shared excitedly as she reflected on her motivation for attending the bootcamp.

Ms. Lotui Teparara from Nuguria (Fead) island, located approximately 150km North of Buka, indicated critical logistical challenges faced by youths in atolls. “The main challenge for us is transportation.” She found the value of learning and sharing with local communities when she attended another UN learning event. She set two goals for the future, starting a local market and empowering youths on the island. 

Mr. Jackson Tehatu, the President of the Atolls District Youth Association, accompanied the youth to the training to showcase his commitment to youth empowerment in Bougainville. He remarked, “When I was young, I remember being inspired by many leaders. And now, I try to build on their work. Going forward, the next generation is coming up. And we need to be there to support the next generation.” 

Supportive communities and passionate leaders maximize the potential of the Innovation Hub, leading the way to empowering local youth and sustaining knowledge transfer and green transition in Bougainville.

Participants hold a large flip chart which was used during their group discussions. Photo: UNDP Papua New Guinea/ Hiroe Ono

The Pacific Green Transformation Project (Pacific GX), under UNDP’s Climate Promise and funded by the Government of Japan, supports Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu in transitioning to renewable energy and green growth. In collaboration with the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), a regional youth-led platform supported by Sweden and Pacific GX, this initiative highlights how young people across the Pacific are leading the green transition. Pacific GX and YECAP are working together to equip youth with the skills, platforms, and resources they need to drive impactful climate action.

This article was originally published on UNDP Papua New Guinea here.