Ashlin Alveena Prasad, Miss Earth Fiji and Youth Environmental Advocate, says Fiji plays an important role in supporting young people and leading efforts to protect the environment.
She recently led a campaign at Mabolo High School in Cebu City, Philippines, to encourage students to care for the environment and believe in their ability to make a difference.
She says this campaign is about more than raising awareness — it planted the seed of belief in others.
Prasad highlighted the climate problems that island and coastal countries like Fiji and the Philippines are facing.
She stressed on the importance of sorting waste, joining clean-up activities, and saving water, showing how small daily actions can lead to big environmental changes.
She says students do not need to wait until adulthood to lead — their voices matter now.
Miss Earth Fiji shared her journey of becoming a youth advocate at 18, openly speaking about the challenges, discipline and passion involved in proudly representing Fiji.
She says the students' response was very touching, as many felt inspired for the first time and some even promised to start sustainability projects at their school.
She adds teachers also came to her asking for her materials and stories to help inspire students in other schools in Cebu.
She says Fiji’s youth are not just joining the conversation but are leading it with action, bravery, and honesty.
