Youth action must go beyond words, says youth advocate

International Youth Day 2026 is a reminder that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but contributors, problem-solvers and leaders of today, says One Nation Our People Youth Foundation (ONOP YF) founder and youth leader Abdul Zorhab.

Mr Zorhab said that as Fiji joined the world in commemorating International Youth Day on August 12, the organisation was reflecting on six years of youth-led service, community action and humanitarian work.

This year, ONOP YF is marking the occasion under the theme, “From Youth Voices to Youth Actions – Six Years of Serving, Empowering and Building Communities.”

Zorhab said the organisation, which was established in 2020, had remained committed to its simple belief: “Youths serving the needy.”

“For us, International Youth Day is not simply a day to celebrate young people,” he said.

“It is a reminder that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. We are contributors, problem-solvers and leaders of today.”

Over the past six years, he said, young volunteers had stood alongside families and communities facing hardship. Their work has included food assistance, back-to-school support, environmental campaigns, mangrove planting, beach clean-ups, mental-health awareness, youth empowerment and assistance to vulnerable families.

“Our work has always focused on one principle: Don’t just talk about change. Be part of the change,” he said.

Mr Zorhab said the organisation had witnessed families struggling with the rising cost of living, young people facing uncertainty about education and employment, elderly people living alone and communities dealing with environmental challenges.

“And every time, our response has been the same: If we can help, we must help,” he said.

Six years of lessons

Mr Zorhab acknowledged that the journey had not always been easy.

“We have faced limited resources, financial challenges, volunteer shortages and moments when we simply did not have enough to meet every request,” he said.

“But those challenges taught us something powerful: You don’t need millions of dollars to make a difference. You need people with a heart to serve.”

He said even small acts of kindness could have a lasting impact.

“A bag of groceries can mean dinner for a struggling family. A school package can help a child return to the classroom with confidence.

“A young volunteer can inspire another young person to believe that they too can contribute. A tree planted today can become a protection for tomorrow. That is the power of youth action.”

Mr Zorhab said ONOP YF would continue its work and expand youth participation in community service and initiatives aimed at empowering young people and supporting vulnerable communities.