FAITH-based organisations and religious leaders are influential in both the political and social sphere’s, says Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa.

While speaking in Lautoka during the Trans Pacific Union Mission Adventist Youth Congress last Saturday, she said faith-based organisations and religious leaders had a broad following in society.

“Their presence in local communities, coupled with their capacity to deliver critical services, allow them to mobilise grassroots support, earn the trust of vulnerable groups, and influence cultural norms — all of which make them vital stakeholders in development,” he said.

“With their involvement in local communities and their standing as moral leaders, many faith-based organisations and religious leaders command the respect of local and national authorities, which can make them valuable peace mediators in tense environments.”

She added while Government, religious bodies and civil societies played vital roles in the holistic development of communities, change should also occur at individual levels.

She said the younger general played a significant role in achieving that.

“You have the ability to adapt and to influence positive change on those around you,” she said while addressing about 400 youths from the Pacific region.”

“You have the ability to lead your fellow citizens into the right direction.

“I wish to reiterate that you can be the most effective advocates for yourselves and for those who cannot stand up for themselves, for those who do not have a voice. You can stand up for the homeless.

“You can fight against bullying.

“You can help address unemployment, exploitation, poverty, violence against women, abuse of persons living with disabilities, neglect of children and other problems that we face as a society today.”