MORE than 100 youths from 13 countries will converge on Nadi in August for the 9th Global Youth Assembly of the Ship for World Youth Association.
The Ship for the World Youth Program, a Japanese Government sponsored international youth exchange program, in the past invited approximately 132 youths from 13 countries and 140 youths from Japan to live together on a ship for approximately 35 days annually.
This year, the youths will interact with each other for four days in Nadi — attending discussions on post-program activities, go for institutional visits, cultural exchange with youth groups in selected villages and go on a day cruise.
Youth Minister Lieutenant Colonel Laisenia Tuitubou said Fiji was looking forward to host the youths in August.
“During the program, youths often deepen their friendship and understanding of participating countries,” Mr Tuitubou said.
“Around 64 countries including Japan have participated so far, with 31 ports of call having been visited including Fiji.”
He said Fijian youths benefited from the exchange program in the past.
He acknowledged the work of the Ship for World Youth Alumni Fiji, who with the support of the International Youth Exchange program of Japan, hosted the Global Youth Assembly in Fiji recently.
The minister also commended the community contribution of the SWY association of Fiji who continued to commit to projects like cyclone relief assistance, distribution of stationery packs, food rations and mangrove tree planting in Levuka.
He also assured his ministry’s commitment to support and assist the necessary operation of the 9th Global Assembly in Nadi in August.
Meanwhile, the ministry launched the 9th Global Assembly website which is expected to assist in disseminating information to this year’s participants.
