“We don’t want a future that is a mirror of my past.”

The words quoted are those of Regina Lepping who represented the Solomon Islands Young Women’s Parliamentary Group at the United Nations in New York last week.

Regina’s moving words are quoted in full on the SIBC’s website.

In part of her speech she said, “From my experience in working with youths in Solomon Islands for 7 years, I see the main challenges young people are facing as lacking of support for our ideas and initiatives. With no support, it has shunned many from participating fully in peace building activities. If young people are given the chance to take the lead in their own affairs, they can help build bridges to join the gaps our fathers and forefathers have left behind.”

“We are very grateful to the United Nations peace building programme that is currently supported and implemented in Solomon Islands, focusing on supporting youth. Getting youths involved in such peace initiatives like the dialogues helps to broaden their perspective.  It helps them to see areas where they can be effective in working together with the elders and leaders.”

Regina is the daughter of the late Sir George Lepping

Yours sincerely

Frank Short