Pacific Youth Summit

Members of UNA Fiji attended the 2nd Pacific Youth Summit held at the USP Japan ICT center. The theme of the event was stepping up for corruption-resilient 2050 Blue Pacific.

The event commenced with a march of nations followed by a merged cultural performance of various Pacific Island Countries.

Furthermore, the Keynote speaker Hon. Mr. Simon Kofe, Minister for Communications, Justice, and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu highlighted that in terms of corruption and good governance the youth need to be involved with state and non-state actors alike to achieve the 2050 Blue-Pacific Strategy

Moreover, H.E. Dr. Mr. Brian Jones, British High Commissioner to Fiji followed by H.E. Ms. Charlotte Darlow, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji shed light on the effects of climate change and corruption. H.E. Dr. Brian stated that a person born in 1960 would experience reduced effects of climate change than a person born in 2020. On the other hand, H.E. Ms. Darlow highlighted the importance of transparency and emphasized that it is crucial to be open rather than handpicking to mitigate corruption. Present also at the Summit was the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Dr. Filimon Manoni and the UNDP representative Mr. Levan Bouadze.

In addition to the speeches, there was a workshop titled: A Resilient Pacific Future, led by the Pacific Community (SPC) Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division. This workshop was then followed by a "Talanoa" session on a Safe and Secure Blue Pacific led by Policy Advisors from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Finally, a High-Level intergenerational Dialogue with various notable leaders was held with Discussions ranging from the BOE declaration to culture, politics, private cooperation, and people with power followed by a dynamic Q&A session. In closing remarks, H.E. Mr. Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji reminded everyone that charity begins at home, therefore, it will only be wise to get your own house in order before pointing fingers at another's after which a Pacific Youth Vision was drafted, voted on and adopted by the people present.

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