The Ba Multi-Ethnic Youth symposium is aligned with the National Youth Policy, says Youth and Sports director Philip Hereniko.

He said this was second youth festival following the one conducted in Kadavu last year.

“What we would like to get out of the symposium are action items that our people will be able to implement, not only our young people but also the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“A collaborative approach towards youth development that involves the ministry’s leading agent.”

Mr Hereniko said stakeholders and young people would be able to work towards the action items.

“We have four thematic areas in this symposium that we would like to discuss.

“One of them is strengthening relationships with all multi-ethnic cultural and religious backgrounds, looking at improving the interest of young people in entrepreneurship and nation-building.

“And we are also looking at creating much-needed awareness of drugs and substance abuse.

“Which also includes HIV and AIDS, understanding the issues that our young people are facing.”