Over 1,400 youths from 22 member countries of the Pacific are expected to meet in Suva for the Pacific Youth Festival.

Interim Youth Minister Filipe Bole said this event will act as a facilitator for the government and youths in the region to lay their issues on the table as members from international agencies like the SPC and United Nations are expected to attend with NGOs like OISCA.

Acting Director for Youth, Sakaraia Naivalu confirmed that so far Niue, Tuvalu, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia have all confirmed their participation.

The week-long 2nd Pacific Youth Festival in July will be held at the University of the South Pacific with the opening ceremony held at Albert Park.