OUR STATUTORY BODIES
The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports is supported by two key statutory bodies: the Vanuatu National Youth Authority (VNYA) and the Vanuatu National Sports Authority (VNSA), formerly known as the Vanuatu National Sports Commission. Both organizations have their own governing Acts that establish specific mandates and operational structures, enabling them to effectively promote and manage youth development and sports initiatives across Vanuatu. This segmentation allows for tailored approaches to enhance participation and foster opportunities for growth within their respective domains.
The Vanuatu National Youth Authority Act No. 6 of 2018 establishes the framework for the National Youth Authority (NYA) and provides guidelines for the management of youth programs in Vanuatu. Below are the key roles and functions of the National Youth Authority as outlined in the Act:
Objectives of the Act:
The primary objectives of the Act are:
1. To institute a clear and manageable framework to enhance the delivery of youth development programs and services through partnerships at all levels.
2. To provide coordination, direction, and support for the development of youth programs in Vanuatu.
3. To establish higher standards for youth development programs across all service delivery, including training pathways for out-of-school youth.
4. To enhance youth participation in development programs and national platforms.
5. To support and promote excellence, leadership, and innovative performance among youth and service providers through capacity-building programs, incentives, and research.
6. To initiate, design, coordinate, evaluate, and monitor programs aimed at integrating youth into the economy and society.
Roles and Functions of the National Youth Authority
1. To coordinate and decide on matters of policy development related to youth and provide advice to the government on youth-related issues.
2. To provide policy and technical advice to provincial and municipal governments regarding youth matters.
3. To ensure that youth can access and participate in national and international youth development programs at all levels.
4. To promote efforts that advance equitable youth development work in Vanuatu.
5. To encourage and facilitate research to improve and assess youth development programs.
6. To establish and monitor standards for youth development programs offered by both government and nonprofit organizations.
7. To monitor the execution of the National Youth Development Policy and Strategy at all levels.
8. To provide reports as requested by the Minister and comply with the lawful directions of the Minister.
9. To carry out other functions as conferred by the Act or related legislation.
Powers of the National Youth Authority
The National Youth Authority possesses all operational powers necessary to fulfill its functions, which include acquiring and managing property, developing land and maintaining buildings, entering into agreements for property management, establishing youth-related policies, hiring and terminating staff, and setting standards for service providers and youth workers; additionally, the Authority has the capacity to delegate its functions and powers to the CEO or staff as necessary while retaining the authority to revoke such delegations. The Authority is composed of various representatives from the National Youth Council, service providers, civil society organizations, and government representatives, ensuring comprehensive representation of youth interests, and it is required to meet at least twice a year while establishing procedures for voting and decision-making. Furthermore, the Authority has established a National Youth Council to represent youth interests in Vanuatu and ensure their participation in decision-making processes, along with creating Youth Committees and Youth Sub-committees to facilitate local involvement in the management of youth programs.
The VNYA Act seeks to establish a structured and efficient framework for youth development in Vanuatu, emphasizing participation, empowerment, and sustainability through robust governance and collaborative strategies.
The Vanuatu National Youth Authority is overseen by a Board whose members are appointed according to the Act and is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mr. Viralakaua Edward Taivakalo currently serves as the CEO of the Vanuatu National Youth Authority.
The Vanuatu National Sports Authority, previously known as the Vanuatu National Sports Commission (VNSC), was established under the Vanuatu National Sports Commission Act No. 14 of 2014. In 2024, the Act was reviewed, resulting in the Authority now being referred to as the Vanuatu National Sports Authority. It has several key roles and functions as outlined in the Act:
Objectives of the Commission:
1. To institute a clear and manageable framework to guide the delivery of sports programs through coordinated and partnership approaches at all levels of participation.
2. To provide coordination, direction, and support for the development of sports in Vanuatu.
3. To establish higher standards of excellence in all sports.
4. To support and encourage excellence in the performance of athletes and coaches through sports science development and research in high performance.
Functions of the Commission:
1. To promote the development of sports in Vanuatu.
2. To provide and maintain facilities for sports and recreation, particularly in urban and rural areas.
3. To investigate developments in sports and disseminate information about these developments.
4. To promote athletes to professional levels within their respective National Federations and to support the advancement of these Federations.
5. To advise the Minister on all matters relating to the development of sports.
6. To coordinate and promote activities for the development of sports at all levels.
7. To encourage and facilitate research and development in sports.
8. To encourage regular competition in all sports at all levels.
9. To provide specialized sports programs in partnership with National Federations.
10. To assist with the organization and funding of community sports development programs.
11. To establish standards for delivery in sports development.
12. To assist the Ministry of Education in developing sports and physical activity programs in schools.
13. To promote sports opportunities for people with disabilities, including providing relevant equipment and training programs.
14. To support national sporting organizations in their planning and development efforts.
15. To cooperate with national and international organizations to foster a sporting environment free from unsanctioned performance-enhancing drugs.
16. To develop policies and rules that ensure the safety and protection of all persons involved in sports activities.
The Vanuatu National Sports Authority plays a crucial role in promoting, supporting, and regulating sports throughout Vanuatu, aiming to enhance participation, performance, and the overall sporting environment in the nation. Its broad range of functions ensures that both grassroots and elite sports receive attention and resources for development and sustainability.
The Vanuatu National Sports Authority is overseen by a Board whose members are appointed according to the Act and is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mr. Trevor Toka currently serves as the CEO of the Vanuatu National Sports Authority.