Youth advocate Vipin Maharaj says that he intends to use his recent appointment as the Youth Assemblies of Fiji (YAF) president to bring longstanding issues impacting youths to the forefront while viewing his role as one of servitude to communities.
Reflecting on his journey with YAF, the 24-year-old said his initial role as the General -Secretary helped him realise the importance of serving behind the scenes.
Mr Maharaj is employed as the United Nations Association of Fiji vice president.
“I later served as policy advisor and was also elected as a board member representing YAF within the National Youth Council of Fiji,” he said.
“Since YAF is one of the National Youth Council’s affiliate bodies and makes up a significant part of its membership, which is 50 per cent, it gave me the opportunity to understand youth issues from both organisational and national perspectives.”
In 2024, Mr Maharaj put his hand up to run for president of YAF.
Despite losing, Mr Maharaj chose to take this temporary set-back as a motivating factor.
“Towards the end of 2025, I stepped into the role of acting president of YAF. Then, earlier this year, at our AGM in Naqarawai, Namosi, I was elected president.
“For me, that journey is a reminder that setbacks don’t define you. What matters is whether you keep showing up and keep working for the people you serve.”
Meeting countless young people in towns, villages, and maritime communities with potential and ideas pushed him to work harder.
“Sometimes youth organisations become too focused on meetings and paperwork, while young people are worried about jobs, education, mental health, climate change, and simply having opportunities to grow.”
Mr Maharaj envisions that YAF will be an organisation that reaches young people regardless of geographic location.
“We need to strengthen our divisions, develop more youth leaders, and create programs that have a real impact.
“Young people should not only be beneficiaries of programs; they should be involved in shaping the decisions that affect their future. My goal is to ensure that youth voices are not just heard, but taken seriously, not just tick-box activities.”
While many may perceive YAF and the National Youth Council of Fiji as two separate organisations, Mr Maharaj believes the YAF is one of the two pillars that make up the National Youth Council.
“The National Youth Council of Fiji is the national youth body and the consultative arm of the Government on youth matters.
“It is made up of two key affiliate bodies: The Provincial Youth Forum of Fiji (PYFF), which represents 50 per cent of the Council; and the Youth Assemblies of Fiji (YAF), which represents the other 50 per cent.”
Mr Maharaj said perspectives may differ, but the goal remains the same.
“Too often, we talk about youth empowerment, but we don’t always step aside and allow young people to take up those opportunities. Our responsibility as leaders is to open doors and create pathways for the next generation.”
Mr Maharaj said honest conversations about youth leadership and the political landscape in Fiji needed to be had.
“We need to move beyond tokenism and create genuine opportunities for youth participation in policymaking and national development.
“One of the challenges we face is that some individuals continue occupying youth leadership spaces long after they have transitioned beyond being youth themselves. Leadership is not about holding onto positions indefinitely.”
Mr Maharaj said leadership succession was healthy for organisations and for democracy rather than gatekeeping these opportunities for growth and progress.
“As president of YAF, I want us to focus on creating pathways rather than promises. This means advocating for greater youth inclusion in decision-making, strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for skills development and employment.”
Mr Maharaj urged youths to claim their spaces confidently.
‘Don’t be afraid to put your hand up and step forward, think for yourselves and learn from those around you, but don’t allow yourselves to be pulled into racism, hatred, or division because of narratives passed down from the past.
“Believe in yourself, work hard, stay grounded, and never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve something. Your background does not define your future, you do.”
