Fiji is home to more than 930,000 people across more than 330 islands, but racism still exists and continues to threaten national unity.
Fiji National University student Mere Ruhamah Saulo made the comments while speaking at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination national oratory contest organised by Dialogue Fiji.
Saulo describes Fiji as one ocean with its people as different canoes, stressing that despite cultural, linguistic and historical differences, all Fijians share the same journey and future.
Insert: Mere Ruhamah Saulo 20th Mar 26
She says racism in Fiji is still present, sometimes openly in politics and other times quietly in everyday conversations, warning that these divisions weaken national progress.
Saulo highlights that Fiji cannot afford division at a time when many people are facing serious socio-economic challenges.
She says issues such as poverty, unemployment and lack of access to basic services affect all Fijians, regardless of ethnicity.
Saulo questions why society continues to divide itself when problems like hunger, joblessness and crime do not discriminate.
She adds that if racism is not addressed, it will undermine the unity needed to tackle national issues, stressing that crime, drugs and violence impact all communities.
Despite this, Saulo remains optimistic, saying Fiji has a strong foundation built on faith, community and shared values.
She is calling for honest conversations, learning from each other’s experiences, and empowering young people to take the lead in building a more united nation.
Saulo emphasises that unity must be built on trust and not fear, urging all Fijians to work together to create a country that truly belongs to everyone.
