Suva, Fiji: On July 12, the U.S. Embassy Youth Council (EYC) partnered with the University of the South Pacific to commemorate International Youth Day and turn up the volume on young people’s engagement in their communities.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (A/DCM) Rebecca Owen emphasized that, “The theme of today’s event is You(th) Are Worth It! We chose this theme because ‘Youth’ are the problem solvers of today, and the leaders of tomorrow. We at Embassy Suva support youth through our programs like the EYC, and we recognize and appreciate the value of including young people in critical decision making and development spaces.”
A/DCM Owen also introduced the event’s keynote speaker, White House Champion for Change, Samira Cook Gaines, whose presentation focused on exploring social entrepreneurship as one avenue to solve the problems of today.
This occasion also marks the end of the first chapter for the EYC, and U.S. Embassy Suva is now accepting applications until September 2 from young people who are interested in joining the new council.
“We welcome innovative youth who want to actively empower each another and collaborate on effective solutions as youth leaders.”
A/DCM Owen thanked the EYC for being trailblazers and wished everyone a Happy International Youth Day!