Young people are often told they are the future. But I believe we are also the now. Fiji’s development can’t wait for us to grow older — it needs our energy, ideas, and leadership today.

My advocacy, Youth at the Centre, is built on the belief that development must include those it aims to serve. When we give young people space to lead, we get creativity, honesty, and resilience. We also build trust — between generations, communities, and cultures.

I’ve met young people who doubt themselves because they come from small places or humble beginnings. But every voice matters. Whether you’re from Rotuma, Ra, or Rewa, your story adds value to Fiji’s larger narrative. We can’t talk about inclusion unless all voices — rural, urban, indigenous, migrant, differently abled — are invited to the table.

Takeaway: Putting youth at the centre means giving them power, trust, and the tools to shape their world — not someday, but today.