RC Remarks at International Youth Day 2025 & Naitasiri Youth and Sports Festival

Wow – what a beautiful morning here in Naitasiri. And what a powerful sight – hundreds of young people gathered together, full of energy, ideas, and dreams.

First, let me thank the Minister for Youth and Sports, UNFPA, and ILO for making today happen. And most of all, I want to thank you, the young people. Because without you, there is no future worth talking about.

You are not just the leaders of tomorrow – you are leaders today. 

You are already making changes in your families, your schools, and your communities. Some of you are planting gardens that feed your village. Some are creating music that inspires others. Some are learning skills that will one day build homes, heal the sick, or run businesses.

Fiji and the Pacific have something amazing: a young generation full of talent, ideas, and courage. Almost half the people in the Pacific are under 25 years old. Think about that – you are not the small voices; you are the loudest voices.

You are not the future waiting to happen – you are the future happening right now.

But here’s the thing: having potential is not enough. We need to grow it. We need to invest in it – through your education, your health, your skills, and your confidence. Because every big change in history started with someone young, just like you, daring to take the first step.

And I want you to remember something: your dream is valid – whether it is to be a farmer, a teacher, a pilot, a nurse, an engineer, a leader, or an inventor. Every role matters. Every dream counts. And you can do it from right here in Fiji.

I also want you to know – you are not walking this path alone. You have your families, your teachers, your friends, your chiefs, your places of worship, and yes – you have us, standing with you every step of the way.

From school to the sports field. From the village meeting house to the Parliament building. From your first job to running your own company – we want to see youth leading in every corner of society.

And let’s be honest – no one can do it alone. Big dreams need teamwork. They need partnerships. They need people who believe in each other. That’s why days like today are so important – because they bring us together to share, to learn, and to build the future side by side.

So, to all the young people here – today is YOUR day. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Take in every conversation, every lesson, every laugh. And when you leave here, carry that energy with you. Let it guide you to do something – big or small – that makes life better for someone else.

Your voices matter. Your actions matter. Your kindness matters. The Pacific of tomorrow will be built by the choices you make today.

So, dream big. Work hard. Lift each other up. And never let anyone tell you that you are too young to make a difference – because you already are making a difference.

Vinaka Vakalevu. Dhanyavaad. And thank you.