During his key note address at the 'International Youth Day', Hon Gordon Darcy, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, stated that the government is looking into a new ideal proposition, called the 'Solomon Islands Youth Initiative on Climate Change' (SIYICC).

He stated that the proposed SIYICC is a newly planned initiative and is looking to address the bigger picture of the impacts of climate change in the Solomon Islands.

Hon. Darcy explained that the SIYICC will link climate change and poverty reduction targets especially in terms of utilizing appropriate and ecologically viable strategies. This will ensure positive developments and help to avoid the negative impacts of climate change.

"The SIYICC will build capacity and strong partnership among Solomon Islands youths so they may be able to understand the relationship between youths and climate change and appreciate the need to take immediate action against the impact of climate change for both the present and future generations," says Hon. Darcy.

The Minster also emphasized on youth participation, negotiation and implementation of adequate strategies.

"The SIYICC will also aspire for Solomon Islands to have an empowered and united youth movement, proactively involved in decision making process and adoption of sustainable options for a better Solomon Islands," says Hon. Darcy.

Hon. Darcy calls on relevant Government Ministries, the National Youth Congress (NYC) and the Honiara City Council, to make the SIYICC proposal work, "we must take leadership and command the ownership of the SIYICC."

A budget process was launched 2 weeks ago, for the SIYICC project and Hon. Darcy hopes the budget would be approved before 2009.