The summit was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Commonwealth Secretariat, Pacific Youth Council (PYC) and Pacific Community (SPC). “Most young people will not land jobs in Government or with large companies, despite their overwhelming intentions to do so, most young people will need to become entrepreneurs, whether by choice or by lack of other options, to realise their potential, innovation, and aspiration”, said Mr Donglin Li, the ILO Director for Pacific Island Countries.

Organised parallel to the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM), some participants from the summit also participated in the Civil Society and Private Sector Dialogues of the FEMM. The aim was to highlight challenges and solutions to Pacific Economic Ministers to promote employment and business aspirations of current and potential young entrepreneurs’.

Although the summit took stock of national best practices, the general consensus was that more still needs to be done. A major policy issues was that while national youth policies prioritised youth entrepreneurship, there were gaps in sectorial policies such as tourism, agriculture and IT which were growth sectors and has resources that young entrepreneurs can tap into. The challenge of accessing finance for start-up and expansion was also highlighted not only by young entrepreneurs but government and private sector representatives. However, earnings and remittance from seasonal work schemes in Australia and New Zealand by young people was seen as a potential source for start-ups, with supportive re-integration and business development services.  

There were also some specific challenges. “In Solomon Islands young entrepreneurs’ creativity, particular artist’s loose out as their work is duplicated by foreigners and sold cheaply. There is no protection”, said Ms Millcent Barty. Mr Stanley John-Fred a young entrepreneur from Vanuatu and an ILO certified business trainer highlighted the lack of entrepreneurship education in schools to create awareness on entrepreneurship at an early age. “We need to promote entrepreneurship as a career option”, he said.

One of the major highlights of the summit for young entrepreneurs was the dialogue with heads of development and donor agencies. Ms Roberta Morlin a young Venture Tech Enthusiast from Papua New Guinea (PNG) impressed Ms Osnat Lubrani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Young entrepreneurs were also able to present and ask questions to Mr Christoph Wagner, the Head of Corporation of the Delegation of the European Union.
The summit also showcased the benefits of networks of young entrepreneurs. The Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC) is an ILO model designed to operate under employer/private sector organisations in the Pacific. “Not only are we able to network and be mentored by 8 industry councils, being part of the board of the Fiji Employers & Commerce Federation (FCEF) allows me to articulate the issues and aspirations of young entrepreneurs”, said Ms Litia Naigulevu-Ashley, the Chair of the Fiji YEC.

The summit also witnessed the signing of a grant agreement between the ILO and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) for the operationalisation of the Solomon Islands YEC. “While we have always discussed supporting young entrepreneurs, this technical assistance by the ILO allows the Chamber to now actually engage in it”, said Ms Katalaini Ziru, the Vice-Chair of the SICCI board.

The summit outcome statement noted the ILO organised Labour Ministers Meeting scheduled for 24th -25th May 2017 and called for the presentation of the summit resolutions at its youth employment/entrepreneurship session. It is hoped that the Labour ministers will consider the summit recommendations in labour policies and legislations.