The Ministry for Youth and Sports is calling on young Fijians to take active leadership at the grassroots in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals, as the nation grapples with rising mental health challenges and a growing drug problem.
Speaking at the first International Youth Day celebration in Naitasiri, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru warned that drugs are “the devil among us,” and described their wider social harms — from increased violence and sexual abuse to HIV/AIDS and tragic loss of life. He urged communities to work together through education, awareness and support programmes to create safe spaces where young people can thrive and lead without fear.
The event included a government roadshow giving young people direct access to services and opportunities from ministries including Health, Agriculture, Lands and Environment. The initiative is designed to empower youth and build their capacity to contribute to Fiji’s sustainable future.
Context and related developments
– National and community leaders have repeatedly highlighted an escalating drug crisis that disproportionately affects young people. Police figures reported thousands of drug-related incidents over the past year, and health services have seen rising numbers of youth seeking treatment for drug-related mental health issues. Over 120 children and adolescents have been treated for mental illness at St Giles Hospital in recent years, with a large share linked to substance use.
– Community and sports programmes have been used as prevention tools: the Waisale Serevi International Rugby Academy and similar outreach initiatives have reached thousands of students and teachers with anti-drug messages.
– Government measures such as the Fiji Counter Narcotics Bureau and the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023–2028 underline a cross-sector approach to the problem, but youth advocates continue to press for more resources — especially in rural areas — for drug awareness, treatment and follow-up support.
– Ministers and community leaders have also stressed the importance of family engagement and quality parental time as part of prevention and early intervention.
Why youth leadership matters
Youth-led efforts at the community level can accelerate local progress on multiple SDGs — including good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities and peaceful, inclusive communities. Young leaders can mobilise peers, adapt messages for local contexts, and sustain prevention and resilience-building activities long after one-off campaigns finish.
Practical measures to amplify impact
– Scale up community-based prevention: expand school and village awareness programmes, sports and arts initiatives that provide safe alternatives and positive role models.
– Strengthen mental health and treatment access: increase services for youth, including outreach to remote areas and support for families affected by substance use.
– Link youth to opportunities: use roadshows and ministry partnerships to create internships, training, small grants and agricultural or environmental projects that tie into SDG goals.
– Monitor and evaluate: track youth engagement, service uptake and local drug-related indicators to measure what works and where resources are needed most.
Additional comments for publication
– Consider adding local quotes from young participants at the Naitasiri event to give the story a stronger human angle.
– Include a short sidebar listing where youth and families can access services or report concerns (hotlines, local clinics, ministry contact points).
– Follow-up reporting could profile successful community-led programmes (e.g., sports academies or village prevention models) to show tangible examples of impact.
Brief summary
The Ministry for Youth and Sports, represented by Jese Saukuru, used the first International Youth Day in Naitasiri to urge young Fijians to lead locally on the SDGs, while warning about the damaging effects of drug abuse. The event’s government roadshow linked youth to services across ministries. Leaders and community partners stress that combined prevention, family support, improved treatment access and youth empowerment are essential to protect the next generation and build a sustainable future for Fiji.
Hopeful angle
While the drug challenge is serious, existing national strategies, outreach programmes and growing community engagement show a pathway forward. Empowering youth as leaders — paired with better mental health services, prevention initiatives and economic opportunities — gives Fiji a real chance to protect its young people and advance its SDG commitments.
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