UNA Fiji’s achievements during the Global Action Week
To strengthen our commitment at UNA Fiji as an SDG implementation Civil Society Organization and share our recent achievements during the Global Action Week for #Act4SDGs (September 15-25, 2023), we stand in solidarity with the global civil society, movements, and individuals dedicated to achieving Agenda 2030. Since 2020, our unwavering focus at UNA Fiji has been on the theme "Decade of Action: Turning Lessons Into Impact to Achieve #Agenda2030," which guides all our programs and activities.
Whether through our Diplomacy Training Programme (#BDTP) or our Community Impact Projects (#CIP), our initiatives reflect our humble mission of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As we reflect on our recent endeavors, we are pleased to share the following achievements:
A. This year, UNA Fiji successfully concluded its Community Impact Project, focusing on "Building Local Leadership for Sustaining Shores: Empowering Coastal Communities for a Resilient Future." This impactful project comprised two vital components:
1. Mangrove Seedling Planting and Coral Restoration: UNA Fiji planted 6,676 mangrove seedlings along the vulnerable Korotogo Coastline, effectively mitigating coastal erosion while promoting biodiversity. This initiative also created sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities and heightened awareness of environmental conservation. Additionally, we undertook coral planting activities, further enhancing marine ecosystems.
2. Youth Leadership Training: UNA Fiji empowered 23 Fijian youths through a comprehensive leadership training program. This training emphasized essential skills such as diplomacy, effective pitching, and protocol. The project encouraged collaboration among participants, enabling them to propose innovative solutions to community issues.
Our CIP embodies our humble commitment to the SDGs, particularly #SDG4.7, #SDG13, #SDG14, #SDG15, #SDG16, and #SDG17.
B. This year's BDTP, generously supported by the U.S. Embassy in Suva, celebrates the accomplishments of 21 dedicated graduates who have completed the program with exceptional skill and dedication. These graduates exemplify the concept of 'leadership through the art of diplomacy.' The program equips them with vital global skills, including research, communication, and public speaking, while immersing them in the intricacies of multilateralism and global issue-solving. These trainees underwent an intensive 22-day training program, dedicating over 150 hours to mastering the nuances of multilateralism and active citizenship. The BDTP underscores our firm commitment to Global Citizenship Education and aligns with #SDG4.7, #SDG16, and #SDG17.
UNA Fiji extends heartfelt gratitude to our Major Sponsor, the U.S. Federal Government, and the U.S. Embassy Suva, who served as our key partners in delivering our programs and activities this year.
We further thank Dudley High School for its continued partnership by providing the venue in us being able to deliver our programmes and activities.
We are equally thankful to our other sponsors, including #EmbajadaDeEspañaEnFiji, Merchant Finance Limited, Vodafone Fiji, TotalEnergies, @Eagle Cleaning Services (S.P) Ltd , @Sunrise Aerated Water and Manufacturing (P.W.F) LTD, Mar & Morris Fiji, Alliance Financial Tax and Insurance, Remington Fiji, and Action for Sustainable Development #Act4SDGs, whose support was integral to the success of our CIP.
The CIP also received valuable assistance from the NADROGA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE (DCOSS), OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, CDP - Fiji’s First Courier, and Pleass Global Limited.
In conclusion, the work of UNA Fiji humbly represents genuine partnerships between civil societies and public-private collaborations, synergistically advancing #SDG17.17 and contributing significantly to the realization of Agenda 2030.
We proudly acknowledge the sponsorship of BDTP 2023 by the U.S. Embassy Suva, and we remain committed to our mission with the utmost humility, dedication, and grace.
With Class, Dignity & Elegance –
#UNAFiji
#ActiveFijianCitizen
#GlobalCitizenshipEducation