Sakiusa Bainivalu, a Year 12 student from Queen Victoria School, is set to represent Fiji at the upcoming Asian Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place from January 17-20, 2025. This prestigious event brings together young leaders from across the globe, offering them a valuable platform to voice their perspectives on pressing world issues.
Sakiusa is particularly thrilled about this opportunity, marking his debut as a representative for Fiji in such a forum. Hailing from Tabuya in Kadavu, he expressed his excitement by saying, “This is a huge breakthrough for me. To be selected out of thousands of participants and to be around other people and share thoughts and opinions is phenomenal.”
His selection followed the submission of a thoughtful essay where he addressed significant social problems in Fiji, including domestic violence, the rise in illicit drug use, and the erosion of cultural identity—all of which impact society. Sakiusa articulated his belief that participating in the International MUN conference would enhance his growth as a leader.
The cost of the trip, valued at U.S. $779 (approximately FJ $1,785), has been covered by his parents, which will take care of his accommodation, transportation, and food. Looking ahead, Sakiusa has aspirations of studying medicine, with a focus on combating non-communicable diseases once he returns home.
This journey not only highlights Sakiusa’s personal achievements but also underscores the importance of youth engagement in global issues. It is a hopeful reminder of the potential impact young leaders can have when given the opportunity to share their voices and work towards solutions.
For those interested in supporting or learning more about the experiences of participants like Sakiusa at international forums, it presents an inspiring example of youth empowerment in action.
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