Applications are now open for Vanuatu Youth Parliament 2026, with the program scheduled to take place on 21 August.

The session provides young people from across the country an opportunity to develop leadership skills and discuss national issues.

Applications will close on 15 July. Organisers are encouraging young people from all provinces to apply to ensure broad national representation.

Before the session, selected participants will take part in a two-week training program designed to prepare them for parliamentary debates, legislative procedures, and leadership responsibilities.

Youth Parliament mirrors the national Parliament, with 52 youth members representing constituencies across the country. Participants will debate proposed bills and discuss national issues using the same procedures followed by Members of Parliament.

Launching the program on Tuesday, Speaker of Parliament Stephen Felix said the session would be themed as “Empowering Today’s Youth to Become Tomorrows Great Leaders”.

“This important national initiative will provide young people across Vanuatu with the opportunity to learn, to lead and raise the voices of their communities through democratic participation and parliamentary debate.”

Clerk of Parliament Maxime Banga said the initiative provides a valuable opportunity for young people to better understand how Parliament operates while developing important leadership and public speaking skills.

“The youth parliament will be set up like an actual real parliament and the youths will be designated as Speakers of parliament and ministers and they will go through matters that are in the chamber, with bills to be debated, question time, written statements.”

Chairperson of the Youth Parliament Steering Committee, Stephanie Mahit, said the program offers a unique opportunity for young people to become actively involved in democracy and governance.

Staff from Parliament, the United Nations Development Programme and the Vanuatu National Youth Council met in Port Vila today to finalise training arrangements for participants.

Youth Parliament 2026 will be the third session held in Vanuatu, following previous successful editions in 2013 and 2020.