The fifth session of Tonga's Youth Parliament to be held December 10-12 will focus on Climate Change, HIV and Aids, Political Reform for 2010, and other youth related issues.

The three days of debate will take place in Tonga's Parliament House, Nuku'alofa.

The Tonga National Youth Congress announced yesterday, November 5, that during the first two days of the Youth Parliament members would listen to speeches made by representatives from Government and Non Government organisations.

The Youth Members were elected in 2006 and this is the second time they have assembled.

The youth election was introduced in 2004to give young people an opportunity to participate in and experience the election process.

Candidates learned how to campaign by talking on the TNYC weekly radio program and writing for the TNYC magazine. The experience provided them with the tools and confidence to become more effective parliamentary representatives.

The Youth Parliament program, was initiated by the Tonga National Youth Congress in 2002 when the young people took over the Tongan parliament for a week, and elected their own Speaker, Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Cabinet Ministers, Noble's Representatives and People's Representative.

The Youth Parliament then debated issues that were important to them. A National Youth Parliament Committee was established to implement the plan of action for the 2008 Youth Parliament.

The current Youth Parliamentarians are:

1. Taniela Sila, Speaker of the House

2. Sisi Vaipulu, Prime Minister

3. Siaosi Polovili, Minister of Health

4. Mohutala Mala'efo'ou, Minister of Works

5. Kamilo 'Ali, Minsiter of Agriculture

6. Melesungu Halaholo. Minister of Finance

7. Selui Vetekina, Minister of Police

8. Tonata Taufalele, Minister of Education

9. Tevita Mahe, Minister of Foreign Affairs

10. Sela Finau, Minister of Labour, Commerce and Small Industries

11. Vika ...‘Ofahulu, Minister of Justice

12. 'Ema Koloamatangi, Miniser of Land, Survey and Natural Resources

13. Manu Samiu, Minister of Youth

14. Maamaloa Mala'efo'ou, Minister of Tourism

15. Sione Faupula Lavemai, Minister of Transportation

16. 'Anoni Tu'a, Governor of Vava'u

17. 'Ailine Taofa, Governor of Ha'apai

18. Mapa Taumalolo, Noble 1 Tongatapu

19. Sione Koloi, Noble 2 Tongatapu

20. Navuso Tuaimei'api, Noble 3 Tongatapu

21. Afu Pangai, Noble 1 Vava'u

22. Ulaiasi Vaisima Nobel 2 Vava'u

23. Taniela Sila, Noble 1 Ha'apai

24. Tukisi Moala Noble 2 Ha'apai

25. Fakama'unga Palelei, Noble 'Eua

26. Sione Pongi, Nobles Rep to Niuas

27. Tevita Tongia, Tongatapu No.1 Representative

28. Tevita Motulalo, Tongatapu No.2 Representative

29. 'Alipate Tu...’akalau, Tongatapu No. 3 Representative

30. Makeleta Mikaele, Vava'u No. 1 Representative

31. Taliola BA, Vava'u No. 2 Representative

32. Kepu 'Aholelei, No. 1 Ha'apai Representative

33. Sosefo Mo...’ale, No. 2 Ha'apai Representative

34. Mausa Halahala, 'Eua Representative

35. Muli Vaoahi, Representatives for the Niuas