Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says no country, city or village is immune to the social ills and global problems that we all face and we must work to remedy them.

He made these remarks when he opened the International Youth Fellowship Fiji World Cultural Camp at the Suva Civic Centre last night.

“There are false and destructive temptations like drugs and alcohol. There are problems of violence in our streets and even in our homes,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“There is the great need to create economic opportunities that will give everyone a better life and more opportunity.

“There is, of course, the crisis of global warming and rising sea levels, perhaps the most pressing problem of our time, particularly in this region.

“All of these will require long-term solutions. They will not be solved anytime soon.

“And that means that you have the opportunity to help find these solutions.

“Yes, I’m afraid we will still be looking for solutions to these problems when you are my age, but I sincerely believe that we will have made a great deal of progress by that time.

“And I hope many of you will help find those solutions, will help make the world better.

“Today, you are all attending camp, but one day you will be leaders in your communities and countries and have to work together to move our world forward.”

He said when that day comes, they must not allow themselves to be divided by their differences, but rather united by their commonalities.

He said they must share ideas and learn from each other, just as they would be doing with their fellow youths at the camp.

“Even today, there were issues facing youth communities that demand attention,” he said.

“Your attention. Your input and your ideas. Empowering our young people can’t be achieved solely from the outside looking in. We need youth leaders who can organise and inspire our young people, address the modern challenges facing youths from every walk of life.”

Mr Bainimarama said youth voices could help shape policies and programmes that would have a direct impact on their lives.

He said it was the responsibility of every government to make every effort it could and seize every opportunity to engage with youths and hear what they had to say.

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

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