The government is moving to introduce a National Youth Employment and Skills Development Programme, citing the urgent and challenging situation facing young people in Fiji.
During a mock youth parliamentary session today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Josaia Suqesuqevanua, spoke on a motion seeking Parliament’s approval for the proposed programme.
Suqesuqevanua says the reality young people are facing today is both challenging and urgent.
He says according to the latest Fiji Employment and Unemployment Survey, youth unemployment stands at 18.3 percent for ages 15 to 24.
Meanwhile, 23.7 percent in this age group are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
He says thousands of young Fijians are without jobs, without training, and without hope, and called attention to the social impacts, including the rising drug abuse among youths and increasing HIV cases.
He says these are linked to unemployment and lack of opportunity.
Suqesuqevanua says the programme aims to provide vocational training, apprenticeship opportunities, and business incentives to give first-time job seekers a pathway into the workforce.
He also stressed the need for inclusivity, saying it must also support youth with disabilities, with accessible training, workplace accommodations, and incentives for employers to hire them.
Highlighting the 2025–2026 Budget, he says $3.8 million has been allocated to youth development and training, with an additional $250,000 for apprenticeship schemes.
Suqesuqevanua urged the Opposition to support the motion, framing it not just as an economic necessity but a social responsibility, and said that no youth should be left behind.
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