Youth unemployment worries PM Rabuka

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has questioned why many young people in Fiji today are “slower to mature” and reluctant to take on responsibility, as Government faces rising youth unemployment and growing numbers of disengaged youths.

Speaking at a Ministry of Youth symposium at the Valelevu Youth Training Centre today, Mr Rabuka said youth unemployment currently stood at 18 per cent, while 23.7 per cent of Fijians aged between 15 and 24 were not in employment, education or training.

He described the figures as “disturbing statistics” and warned that the challenge could not be solved by Government alone.

Mr Rabuka said Fiji’s youth population made up about 34 per cent of the national population, adding that the same percentage was linked to obesity among youths.

“That is a big number,” he said, while stressing the urgent need to empower young people through targeted skills training, quality education and sustainable employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister reflected on his own early years, saying he joined the military at 19, toured England at 22 and commanded a battalion by the age of 31.

“So why are our young people today slower to mature, to grow, to take on responsibility?” Mr Rabuka said.

He called on assistant youth officers and ministry officials to become strong motivators and role models for young people, saying leadership begins with self-motivation and discipline.

The Prime Minister said youth programmes and leadership initiatives were not simply activities, but strategic investments in nation-building, economic resilience and social stability.

He also urged public servants to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism while working closely with communities and youths across the country.

Mr Rabuka said empowered young people would become future leaders, innovators and productive citizens capable of shaping Fiji’s future prosperity.