The United Nations Population Fund in the Pacific says it will use sport over the next ten years as part of its development strategy to reach young people.
The director, Dr Laurent Zessler, says one fifth of the Pacific population consists of young people, and sport is an effective avenue to engage them.
He says sport is a low-cost but high-impact development tool, encouraging team work, fairness and respect for opponents - principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations.
Dr Zessler says the framework for youth will also focus on education, employment, health and participation in environmental action.
