YOUTH are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also the builders of today.
This was the message from permanent secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Ratu Meli Nacuva at the International Day of Peace Youth Fair at Civic Centre yesterday.
Speaking on the global theme for 2026 “Invest in peace for everyone, everywhere, every day”, Mr Nacuva said peace was not something we waited for, but something we built with daily choices, attitudes and actions.
“That theme teaches us that peace is not something we wait for. Peace is something we build. It is an investment, and like every investment, it requires commitment, effort, and consistency.”
Linking it to the youth fair theme “youth future starts here”, he said youth can turn the theme into reality when they practice peace at home, in schools, online, and in communities.
Mr Nacuva reminded youth of a personal as well as powerful truth: “You cannot give peace if you do not have it yourself.
“Peace begins in the heart. It starts with how we speak, how we listen, and how we treat people — especially when we disagree.
“When we respond to conflict with respect, when we choose dialogue over violence, and when we replace hate with understanding, we are showing what it truly means to invest in peace.”
Mr Nacuva shared that his own yavusa had recently put in place a strategic development plan, with one focus area being peace and security to ensure members were free from harm and safe from all threats.
He urged youth to treat the fair as more than an event, but a platform to learn, connect and take responsibility through mentoring, cooperation, honesty, fairness and empathy.
“If we invest in peace for everyone then no one is left behind. If we invest in peace everywhere, then every community benefits. And if we invest in peace everyday then peace becomes our way of life, not just a slogan.”
