A group of fourteen boys from across the Pacific has come together for the first time to advocate for youth rights, empowerment, and representation on critical issues. UNICEF has launched the Young Pasifika Wayfinders, comprising members aged between 15 and 19, to ensure adolescents’ voices are included in its initiatives.
UNICEF highlighted that a significant portion of the Pacific population—40 percent—consists of individuals under the age of 18. However, adolescent boys and girls often lack access to safe spaces to express their views and influence policies. The organization emphasizes that adolescence is a pivotal stage for identity formation, where fostering positive behaviors can help challenge harmful norms.
The Young Pasifika Wayfinders are set to engage in various activities over the upcoming months, including designing social media campaigns, collaborating with other youth movements, and organizing events targeted at Pasifika adolescents in their respective home countries. As part of their discussions, participants have addressed significant topics such as mental health, cyberbullying, online safety, climate change, and gender stereotypes.
Quotes from participants reflect a deep sense of responsibility and hope for change. A member from the Cook Islands stated, “We don’t just follow the tide, we shift it,” expressing a commitment to creating safer spaces for youth. Another participant from Fiji shared insights on engaging with a partner organization, Evident, to explore how popular culture could better reflect Pacific Island culture, sparking excitement about bringing their perspectives into commonly overlooked spaces.
This initiative aligns with recent efforts in the Pacific to prioritize youth development, as reflected in discussions from the South Pacific Youth Senior Government Officials meeting held in Fiji. There, Phillip Hereniko, director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, underscored the importance of empowering youth as the future of the region through various initiatives.
The formation of the Young Pasifika Wayfinders signifies a step towards enhancing youth engagement in the Pacific, aiming for collaborative efforts to empower and uplift young voices across the region. By focusing on inclusivity and representation, these young leaders are not only poised to challenge existing barriers but are also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future in the Pacific.
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