Salutation
- The Assistant Minister for Youths and Sports, Hon. Aliki Bia,
- The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Meli Nacuva,
- Government Representatives,
- Youth Officers;
- Senior Management of the Ministry,
- Invited Guests, Parents and Teachers,
- Members of the Media,
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very Good Afternoon to you all.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Matanikutu vua na Gone Turaga na Qaranivalu and I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, We are grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene on this important occasion.
Introduction
- It is a privilege to be here with you all today as we officially close this significant Frontline-to-Leadership Symposium.
- The fruitful discussions and exchanges that have taken place over the past two days have been invaluable in bridging the operational divide between our Assistant Youth Officers, Youth Officers, and our Senior Management.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, nation-building is not achieved through policy alone. It is achieved through people — through dedicated public servants who work directly with communities, empower individuals, and help create opportunities for a better future. As frontline officers, you represent Government’s presence in our communities and your work directly contributes to social stability, youth empowerment, and national development.
- Clear, transparent, and effective communication remains fundamental to good governance and public service delivery. As young leaders and youth practitioners, you are uniquely positioned to bridge generational divides, embrace innovation, and amplify the aspirations of our young people in a rapidly evolving world.
- As Assistant Youth Officers and Youth Officers, you serve as a critical arm of the Ministry, in ensuring its objectives are clearly articulated and represented to everyone who relies on our services.
- Your role goes far beyond administration. You serve as mentors, facilitators, advocates, and connectors between Government and communities. Through your engagement, many young Fijians are provided with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, skills, and hope for the future.
National Outlook
- Ladies and gentlemen, Fiji has a young and vibrant demographic profile. With around 33.9 percent of our national population comprising of youths between the ages of 15 to 35 years, it is vital that we continue to amplify efforts in empowering them through targeted skills training, quality education and sustainable employment opportunities.
- However, the challenge ahead of us is addressing youth unemployment, and as I have previously mentioned it is currently sitting at an alarming rate of 18 percent[1].
- More importantly, critical statistics from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics reveal a staggering 23.7 percent[2] of Fijians aged between 15 to 24 years are Not in Employment, in Education or pursuing critical Training (NEET).
- The situation facing these individuals – who fall under the ‘NEET’ category for short – is a multi-faceted issue that Government cannot tackle on its own. It requires collaboration and stronger partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organisations and our educational institutions such as this Youth Training Centre.
Ministry of Youth and Sports
- It is within this broader national development framework that the Ministry of Youth and Sports plays such a critical role. The Ministry serves as an important national platform for empowering young people, particularly those in rural, remote, and maritime communities who often face limited access to opportunities and services.
- The work undertaken through youth training programmes, leadership initiatives, sports development, outreach programmes, and capacity-building activities directly supports Government’s vision of inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.
- These initiatives are not simply programmes — they are strategic investments in social cohesion, nation-building, and long-term economic resilience. Empowered youths become productive citizens, stronger community leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and agents of positive change.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, as public servants, you must continue to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, professionalism, and service excellence. The trust placed upon you by Government and communities is significant, and your ability to work collaboratively and effectively will continue to shape the success or otherwise of the Ministry’s objectives and broader Government priorities.
Closing Remarks
- I am encouraged that this symposium has provided an opportunity to identify operational bottlenecks, strengthen coordination, and improve internal communication across all levels of the Ministry. Continuous reflection and improvement are essential if we are to build institutions that are responsive, people-centred, and capable of meeting future challenges.
- To the Senior Management and staff, I commend the vital work you do in ensuring our youths are empowered to become the new generation of leaders for this country. Your tireless service to our community and our great nation does not go unnoticed and I thank you all for your continued support and loyalty to serve.
- To our Assistant Youth Officers and Youth Officers, I encourage you to continue serving with passion, humility, and purpose. The work you do today will help shape future leadership, stability, and prosperity of our nation tomorrow.
- Let us continue working together to empower our young people, strengthen our communities, and advance Fiji’s development aspirations through unity, good governance, and inclusive opportunities for all.
- Vinaka vakalevu and may God bless us all and our beloved nation of Fiji.
