Sakiusa Bainivalu, a Year 12 student from Queen Victoria School, is set to represent Fiji at the 2025 Asian Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place from January 17-20. This event aims to gather youth leaders from around the globe, allowing them to exchange ideas and perspectives on pressing global issues.

Sakiusa, making his first appearance at such a significant event, expressed immense excitement about the opportunity. He remarked on the significance of being selected among thousands of participants, stating, “This is a huge breakthrough for me. To be around other people and share thoughts and opinions is phenomenal.”

He earned this chance by writing a compelling essay addressing social challenges faced in Fiji, such as domestic violence, the rise of illicit drug use, and the preservation of cultural heritage. In his essay, he highlighted the importance of forums like AYIMUN in shaping effective and motivational leaders.

To support his participation, Sakiusa’s parents invested a total of U.S. $779 (FJ $1785) to cover travel expenses, including accommodation and meals. Looking ahead, he has aspirations to study medicine, specifically focusing on non-communicable diseases upon his return.

This opportunity not only showcases Sakiusa’s potential as a future leader but also emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in global conversations. As young voices like his contribute to addressing vital issues, there is hope that their collective efforts will drive meaningful change in both their local communities and the world at large.