Some 40% of the total population of the Pacific island nations region is made up of people under the age of 26. Despite that, several of these countries have yet to establish comprehensive educational policies, leaving their young people with little opportunity to receive adequate vocational training. The distressing background to this situation is that the region is also suffering the adverse effects of rapid social change, such as increased alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide. This conference provides various people involved in tackling youth problems with important opportunities to meet and exchange ideas. In keeping with the Fund's broader goal of helping the island nations forge and strengthen links with other regions of the world, the conference included a number of Asian participants who greatly informed discussions on the potential for enhanced Asia-Pacific cooperation.