The Ministry of Youth and Sports will partner with Japan-based international Non-Government Organisation ‘Peace Boat’ to introduce their initiatives to Fijian youths and to provide a platform for cultural and sports exchange.
The ship which left Japan in April is on its 101st Global Voyage for Peace and is carrying more than 1000 youths, mostly from Japan and other parts of the world and will arrive in Lautoka on the 13th of this month (Saturday).
During the one day visit youths on board will get a chance to interact with their Fijian counterpart to introduce their initiatives.
Youth Ministry Divisional Manager West Valagi Naloga said the one day visit provides a one-off opportunity for Fijian youths to interact with their counterparts from Japan and other Asian countries who are on-board the 35,000 ton vessel.
“We also have two Fijian youths on board the Peace Boat and they are part of the Ocean & Climate Youth ambassadors Programme which was initiated in 2017,” he said. “We are grateful that Fijian youths will also benefit from the visit where they can share ideas and have a better understanding of each other and the message the boat is advocating.”
“The Ministry on its part is organising a beach clean-up programme at Lomolomo beach and a sport and cultural exchange programme in the afternoon at Saint Thomas Primary School in Lautoka which will also feature Fijian and Japanese dances,” Mr Naloga elaborates.
Established in 1983, the Japan based ‘Peace Boat’ programme promotes peace, human rights, and sustainability and holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN).
Working in partnership with UN SDG Action Campaign, Peace Boat’s activities onboard and in port empower participants, strengthen local capacity for sustainability, and build people-to-people cooperation beyond borders. The voyages, run on a social business model, blend sustainable tourism, lifelong learning and friendship activities with educational programmes, cooperative projects, and advocacy.
The boat will dock at the Lautoka wharf at 6:45am (Saturday 13/07) and departs in the evening of the same day.