At 22, AnneMary Raduva hopes to inspire Fiji's next generation

SODELPA's youngest proposed candidate for the next General Election says she may lack political experience but believes she can bring hope and fresh ideas to Fiji's next generation of leaders.

AnneMary Raduva, 22, an eco-activist, made the remarks after being unveiled as one of the party's proposed candidates during SODELPA's Annual General Conference at Suvavou Village on Saturday.

Fighting back tears after the announcement, Ms Raduva described her selection as both an honour and a responsibility.

"I may not have the experience. I may not have the qualifications, but I bring hope," she said.

Ms Raduva said her ambition was not simply to contest the election but to give young people and minority communities a stronger voice in shaping Fiji's future.

"I want to move Fiji forward with practical solutions that make a real difference in people's lives," she said.

She acknowledged she was still learning but believed determination, compassion and fresh ideas were just as important as years of political experience.

Ms Raduva said one of the first people she planned to speak to after the announcement was her mother to discuss how they could better serve young people, grassroots communities and ordinary families.

If elected, she said she would be interested in serving in several ministerial portfolios, with a particular interest in Defence after previously serving as a Youth Mock Parliamentarian for that portfolio.

Asked why she was drawn to Defence, Ms Raduva said protecting Fiji and its people was a priority.

"Why not? Our greatest asset is our people. We have a responsibility to protect every Fijian and make sure our country remains safe and peaceful."

As one of the youngest members of SODELPA's proposed election team, Ms Raduva said she hoped her message of hope, service and fresh thinking would resonate with voters seeking a new generation of leaders.

Ms Raduva first gained public attention at the age of 14 when she launched the Say No to Balloon Release campaign. She later organised beach clean-ups and mangrove planting projects in Suva.

At 15, she spoke at an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) forum in Suva, attended the United Nations Climate Summit in New York and became the first Fijian to receive a notable mention from United States non-profit Action for Nature.

Her platform centres on youth representation, environmental protection and practical, community-focused governance.