PSGDN celebrates youth power, calls for greater inclusion in decision-making spaces

Youth members engaged in the National Condom Campaign led by the Rainbow Pride Foundation Fiji. RPF is a National Member Organisation of PSGDN.

"Our youths are our unsung heroes."

That is the message from Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) Interim Chief Executive Officer, Loata Seru, as the world marks International Youth Day 2025 today.

Mrs Seru says Fiji and the Pacific have every reason to be proud of their young people, whose passion and commitment are helping to shape change across critical issues – from climate action and human rights to gender equality, health, wellbeing, and governance.

“Our youths are our power. They are the ones pushing boundaries, creating safe spaces, and leading transformative movements – often without recognition, and more often than not, as volunteers,” Mrs Seru said.

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, holds special meaning as it also marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“It’s a reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are already leaders today,” she said.

“In the Pacific, our youths are at the forefront of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals - ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all. Every single day, whether in big ways or small, they are making this vision a reality,” she added.

Mrs Seru noted that much of the progress in Fiji and the Pacific’s SOGIESC+ (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics+) movement has been driven by young people, whose tireless and voluntary contributions are too often overlooked.

One example comes from PSGDN’s national member, the Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF), which has been instrumental in Fiji’s response to the HIV outbreak.

Led by youth advocate and pride hub member, Suakini Baleisawana, RPF’s National Condom Campaign, supported by UNAIDS Pacific, distributed thousands of free condoms in high-risk areas such as nightclubs and community spaces, while also promoting HIV testing and education.

“For us, it’s never just about handing out condoms – it’s about building safe spaces, having open and honest conversations, and making people feel supported to protect themselves,” Baleisawana said.

“We gave everything we had – our time, energy, and hearts – because we believe in each other and in our community.”

Baleisawana also highlighted the challenges young people in the SOGIESC+ community face, including stigma, rejection, and even threats to their safety.

“When we come together like this, we find strength. And that’s what keeps us moving forward,” the pride hub leader said.

Mrs Seru is urging Pacific governments to take youth voices seriously – not just as a symbolic gesture, but by actively involving them in decision-making spaces, listening to their perspectives, and leveraging their skills to drive positive change.

“We cannot afford to sideline the very people who are leading grassroots change. It’s time to move from tokenism to genuine engagement,” she stressed.

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