Fiji Animal Law Project founder and AUT Law School Lecturer Kya Raina Lal has been recognised as one of Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust's 100 Young Leaders Awardees for 2026.
Lal, who was named an awardee earlier this year, was formally presented with her award this week in Suva.
According to AUT Law School, Lal has been recognised for her work in establishing the Fiji Animal Law Project, an initiative dedicated to strengthening animal welfare protections in Fiji through legal advocacy, legislative reform, public awareness and education.
Established in 2020, the project aims to address gaps in Fiji's existing animal welfare legislation, advocate for stronger legal protections for animals and promote greater accountability and community awareness of animal welfare issues.
The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust was established by the late Queen Elizabeth II to support and empower young leaders across the Commonwealth.
The QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026 commemorate the centenary of the late Queen's birth by recognising 100 young changemakers making contributions in education and employability, environment, food and agriculture, health and inclusion.
AUT Law School states Lal's achievement reflects the important role legal practitioners and academics can play in advancing meaningful social change within their communities and across the wider Pacific.
