MEDIA RELEASE
30 August 2007
For immediate release
PNG youth leader to attend Asia Pacific Cities Summit
A youth leader from PNG will be taking part in a major international conference in Australia this week thanks to support from the Australian Government.
Mr Angus Ali, the Youth Coordinator with the Youth against Corruption Association (YACA) will participate in the Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) in Brisbane as a result of funding assistance from the Australian Government’s aid agency, AusAID.
The APCS is held biennially, alternating between Brisbane and other cities in the region. This year’s summit is being held in Brisbane from 31 August to 3 September under the theme of ‘Renewing Asia Pacific Cities’. The focus will be on business growth, trade, investment and economic outcomes in the Asia Pacific.
Speaking before departing for Brisbane Mr Ali said: “I am sincerely grateful for the support of the Australian Government in making this trip possible.
“I hope that attending the summit will increase my understanding of issues affecting youth-based organizations in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. I will also be able to make an important contribution to discussions as a representative of PNG.”
The APCS will include a Youth Forum for future leaders who will also be able to participate in the main summit, which includes plenary sessions and workshops.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said the Australian Government was pleased to help Mr Ali attend the summit, which will attract up to 900 delegates from countries across the region.
He said: “Young people have an important role to play in building a stable and prosperous PNG, including through good governance, and these are the sorts of issues that will be discussed at APCS.”
The YACA was established in 2002 to allow young people to speak out against corruption and also to provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
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