The University of the South Pacific (USP), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) hosted a landmark seminar to commemorate World Population Day last week, under the theme “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.”
The event brought together students, academics, government representatives, diplomats, NGOs, and developmental partners for a powerful dialogue on youth empowerment, demographic change, and sustainable development across the Pacific.
The event opened with a welcoming address by USP’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, who emphasised the importance of education, critical thinking, and inclusive dialogue in addressing population-related challenges in the Pacific.
“At a time when the region is grappling with urgent questions surrounding sustainability and demographic change, events like this connect our research, teaching, and community outreach,” Professor Ahluwalia said.
“They give meaning to our mission to serve not only as educators but as catalysts for regional resilience.”
This year’s seminar marks the second in a series of joint discussions between USP and UNFPA aimed at deepening the understanding of demographic trends and youth-centred development.
UNFPA Youth Specialist, Brian Kironde delivered his remarks by highlighting the agency’s vision of a world where every individual’s reproductive rights and aspirations are realised.
He challenged the common interpretation of the “fertility crisis”, urging the audience to consider a broader view.
“To UNFPA, the real crisis is not simply declining birth rates or aging populations,” he explained.
“It’s the unmet needs and blocked aspirations of young people who are denied the tools to make free and informed choices about their futures.”
Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua spoke directly to the young people, emphasising that youths must not only be supported, but centred in national policy and planning.
“Young people are already leading in climate action, in digital innovation, and in community building,” Honourable Qereqeretabua declared.
“Our job is not to empower you because you’re already powerful. Our job is to make space and share power.”
She also cited recent demographic shifts in Fiji, including a 32% drop in marriage rates since 2016, as evidence of changing priorities among youths.
Honourable Qereqeretabua praised national policies such as expanded scholarship funding and access to reproductive health services, while calling for more co-designed, youth-led policy approaches.
“Equity looks like access, information, and respect,” she said.
This World Population Day event reaffirmed USP’s role as a regional leader in fostering policy-relevant research and education. It also underscored UNFPA’s growing emphasis on demographic intelligence and youth-driven programming in the Pacific.
“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with USP,” Kironde said.
“Together, we are working toward a future where every young person can shape their life with dignity, hope, and opportunity.”
As the Pacific region faces demographic transition, climate impacts, and evolving social norms, the voices and choices of young people have never been more important.
