Pacific youth remain underrepresented in politics, forum hears

Young people make up a significant share of the Pacific population, yet many remain excluded from political and governance structures because of cultural, economic and social barriers.

Opening the Youth and Democracy Forum at the Radisson Blu Resort Denarau, Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal said youth participation remained one of the Pacific's greatest democratic challenges.

Research across the region showed many young people felt excluded from decision-making because of cultural hierarchies, age-based barriers, economic constraints, gender inequality and limited leadership opportunities, he said.

"Yet, despite this demographic reality, young people remain significantly underrepresented in formal political and governance structures," Mr Lal said.

He said the two-day forum aimed to deepen participants' understanding of democratic governance and political systems in the Pacific while exploring the relationship between culture, tradition and democracy.

"We also want to identify the barriers that prevent young people from participating fully in decision-making processes and discuss practical solutions for overcoming these barriers," he said.

Participants from Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands and other Pacific nations are attending the forum to discuss democracy, governance, political participation, leadership, social media and advocacy.

Mr Lal said discussions would also focus on the role of political parties, social media, civic engagement and digital advocacy in shaping public life.

Despite challenges, including weak political party structures in some countries and declining trust in institutions, democracy continued to enjoy strong support across the Pacific, he said.

"Democracy is not perfect, but it remains the best system of government humanity has developed so far," Mr Lal said.

"It provides ordinary people with a safe opportunity to influence political decisions, hold leaders accountable, peacefully change governments and protect fundamental rights and freedoms."

Mr Lal urged participants to engage actively and help build a stronger network of future democratic leaders across the region.

"The future of democracy in the Pacific will not be determined solely by governments, political parties or institutions," he said.

"It will be shaped by the choices, actions and leadership of young people."

He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka for supporting youth participation in democratic processes.

"Your presence sends a very strong signal that young people matter and that investing in the next generation of leaders is a national and regional priority," Mr Lal said.