Fiji’s Youth Parliament Returns After a Decade with 58 Young Leaders

After a decade-long hiatus, the Youth Parliament program triumphantly returned, offering 58 young individuals the chance to delve into the intricacies of parliamentary processes and champion change. The last such event occurred in 2015, marking a significant gap in this form of civic engagement for Fiji’s youth.

One of the participants, Nichole Matavesi, a student of USP Politics, expressed the honor of being part of the program while voicing the concern that numerous deserving young people lack such opportunities due to its limited availability. Matavesi hopes that the discussions and ideas shared during this Youth Parliament will translate into tangible actions beyond the confines of the program. She stresses that while the government needs to prioritize youth issues, young people also bear the responsibility of leading initiatives themselves.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua commended the initiative, emphasizing its role in educating participants about parliamentary procedures, from crafting speeches to debating policies across both government and opposition lines. She underscored the significance of youth participation in ensuring Parliament reflects the constituents it serves, encouraging the youth to view this program as a stepping stone toward future leadership positions, including contesting elections.

This resurgence of youth involvement in parliamentary activities mirrors the broader trend of political engagement among young individuals in Fiji. Previous programs have demonstrated the potential of initiatives that focus on developing practical skills, enhancing public speaking capabilities, and understanding policy development. Such experiences are seen as crucial in fostering the next generation of leaders and invigorating civic participation.

The program’s return signals a positive step toward amplifying youth voices in governance. Coupled with related efforts, such as mock parliament exercises emphasizing women’s leadership, it suggests an encouraging trajectory toward inclusive representation and youth empowerment in Fiji’s political landscape. By equipping young citizens with the skills, confidence, and networks needed for public service, Fiji is nurturing a pipeline of future leaders poised to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s democratic processes.