UNA Fiji Community Impact Project - 2025
The vibrant shores of Korotogo, Sigatoka, witnessed a monumental assemblage of youthful energy and environmental stewardship as the Junior Diplomacy Training Programme (JDTP) 2025 Community Impact Project commenced with a resounding call to climate action. This event, graced by the President of Nadroga DCOSS and the Executive Assistant Manager of Outrigger Resort, marked the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at empowering Fiji’s youth to become climate champions.
The Honourable President of UNA Fiji, Mr. Akmal Ali, inaugurated the youth workshop event, which brought together youths from Sigatoka. Mr. Ali highlighted that this would be the third year the association has brought their trainees to Nadroga to plant 12,600 mangroves, being the most for any NGO in Fiji and bringing the total number of mangroves planted to over 30,000. Mr. Ali stressed that climate action is an inherent act of civic pride, emphasizing the need for collective effort in combating climate change and fortifying Fiji’s resilience.
Additionally, Mr. Ali conducted a presentation with the Nadroga youths with content that was meticulously crafted to equip participants with essential leadership and diplomatic skills. The sessions ranged from an introduction to leadership and diplomatic protocol to mastering the nuances of social and networking etiquette. The youths engaged in dynamic activities, developing and refining their pitches, tackling real-life leadership challenges, and brainstorming innovative solutions.
The Chief Guest, the Executive Assistant Manager of Outrigger Resort, spoke of his origins and related them to the youths and encouraged them to examine what they do differently to combat climate change. He emphasized the necessity of harnessing the innovative ideas, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment of the younger generation in tackling climate change. He stresses that the call to action must first be practiced at home and that it is our collective effort that drives change.
The President of Nadroga DCOSS expressed her deepest appreciation for the work carried out by UNA Fiji. She described her organization's work, which seeks to tap into the grassroots people and bring change to the community and environment. She encouraged the youths to be the voice of their generation, stressing the need to connect to the most vulnerable and highlighting such issues on national forums in Fiji.
The Assistant Principal of Cuvu College also addressed the youths of Nadroga. She highlighted that Cuvu College this year has 2 themes—“Litter-Free Cuvu” and “Drug-Free Cuvu.” She made a resounding statement, urging the youths to adopt civic pride, succeed academically, and combat the war on drugs in Fiji.
The Honourable Vice President of UNA Fiji, Mr. Shivneet Kumar, held a presentation on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The youths were then engaged to speak on various SDGs such as climate action, clean water and sanitation, no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality. The youths drew testimonies from their personal experiences, which enabled them to express their concerns and draw a connection between the SDGs and their roles in contributing to them as citizens of Fiji.
This event exemplifies and enhances partnership and development effectiveness by aligning with several SDGs, specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The concluding session recapped key takeaways, and a graduation program where participants received certificates. This comprehensive approach ensured that participants left with a robust understanding of leadership and diplomatic skills, ready to implement them in their communities.
The pivotal moment of the event was the symbolic planting of 12,600 mangroves along the foreshore of Korotogo Village. This event brought many individuals from various walks of life, which assisted the trainees for the JDTP 2025 to bring life back to the marine ecosystems.
The support of many esteemed sponsors strengthened the Community Impact Project:
Indonesian Embassy Suva - Fiji
NADROGA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE (DCOSS)
DIVA for Equality
Late Minister for Agriculture Mr. Vatimi Rayalu
This collaboration showcases a unified approach towards sustainability, with various stakeholders contributing to the project's success.
This initiative sets a precedent for the people of Fiji, demonstrating that with unity, innovation, and leadership, a resilient and thriving Fiji is within reach. The collective efforts during this event highlight the importance of fostering youth leadership and environmental stewardship to address the pressing challenges of climate change effectively.
With Class, Dignity & Elegance
