Representation for youth and women has been boosted on Rotuma's Council of Chiefs.
The new opportunities arose out of a youth development workshop that took place in the islands that are part of Fiji this month.
Broderick Mervyn, Team Leader of the Project addressing the Rotuman Chiefs Photo: Supplied / Ignite4Change
Youth, women groups and community leaders shared experiences and learned about sustainable development goals, or SDGs, and human rights practices as a tool to promote and achieve a sustainable future for their community.
The highlight of the event was reactivating the Council of Women's seat and creating a seat for the Rotuma Youth Council in the Council of Chiefs.
The workshop brought together more than 50 participants from the seven districts in Rotuma.
It represented the Pacific Community's (SPC) first partnership in Rotuma with youth-led organisations such as Ignite4Change and Pacific Youth Forum Against Corruption.
The workshop was part of the SPC's Pacific Youth and Covid-19 Recovery and Response Programme.
Participants of the Active Youth Participation in Community Development workshop in Rotuma Photo: Supplied / Ignite4Change
The talanoa also highlighted the Rotuma youth Covid-19 Recovery Response plan.
Director of SPC's Human Rights and Social Development Division, Miles Young, said at least half the region's population was aged under 23.
"Harnessing the talents of young people will have a significant impact on the economic prosperity, political success and social stability in the Pacific Islands region into the future," Young said.
"To ensure lasting and sustainable change for a prosperous Pacific, the involvement and participation of young people is crucial in positively influencing mindsets and attitudes towards gender equality and environmental sustainability."
Ignite4Change Coordinator, Broderick Mervyn, acknowledged the SPC for partnering with their group and creating opportunities for youth in the Pacific.
"Community participation helps youth become empathetic citizens who could potentially continue similar work when they become adults.
"Additionally, youth who give back to their communities develop leadership skills, learn the importance of helping, and gain work experience," Mervyn said.