MINISTER FOR YOUTH & SPORTS HON. JESE SAUKURU'S SPEECH AT THE SPEECH FOR THE NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION CONFERENCE 2025

Theme: “Sports – The Engine for Change”

• The Chairperson and Members of the Fiji National Sports Commission
• Distinguished Guests, Panelists, and Representatives from National Sports Organizations
• Ladies and Gentlemen
 
Good morning.
It is an honour to join you today at the 2025 National Sports Organization Conference. I commend the Fiji National Sports Commission for organising this significant platform under the theme, “Sports: The Engine for Change.” This theme reminds us of the transformative role sports play in shaping lives, uniting communities, and advancing our national development goals.
 
Sports are not just about competition; they are about collaboration, resilience, and shared vision. And it is this spirit of partnership that I want to emphasize as we explore how we can harness the power of sports to create meaningful change.
 
In my capacity as Minister of Youth and Sports, I have made it a priority to foster collaboration between the ministry and key stakeholders in the sports sector. Over the past months, I have undertaken courtesy visits to several key sporting bodies and organisations. These visits were not merely ceremonial but were designed to achieve three key objectives:
 
1. Strengthening Relationships – By understanding the challenges and aspirations of our sporting organisations, we can build stronger partnerships that align with the national agenda.
2. Identifying Opportunities – Through dialogue, we have identified opportunities for capacity building, infrastructure improvement, and better athlete development pathways.
3. Driving Accountability and Transparency – These visits have also provided a platform for us to share our vision and expectations, ensuring that every stakeholder is held accountable for delivering impactful results.
 
The outcomes of these visits have been encouraging. They have led to:
• Renewed partnerships with national sports organizations to prioritise inclusive sports development programs.
• The identification of shared goals to promote youth empowerment and mental health through sports.
• Enhanced collaboration in addressing gaps in funding, sponsorship, and athlete welfare.
 
These achievements reaffirm that when we work together, government, sports bodies, and communities, we can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results.
 
At the Ministry of Youth and Sports, our National Youth and Sports Policy is grounded in the principle of inclusivity and sustainability. We are committed to ensuring that sports contribute to Fiji’s national development goals and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
Through sports, we can foster:
• Youth Empowerment – By providing platforms for young people to excel, we equip them with skills, discipline, and confidence to lead in all facets of life.
• Social Cohesion – Sports break down barriers of ethnicity, religion, and background, uniting us under a shared vision of progress.
• Economic Growth – From sports tourism to infrastructure development, the economic benefits of a thriving sports sector are significant.
 
Our vision is clear: to build a sports sector that uplifts every Fijian. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we aim to:
• Strengthen grassroots programs to develop talent from an early age.
• Enhance athlete welfare by addressing both physical and mental health needs.
• Modernize facilities to meet international standards, ensuring that our athletes are equipped to compete on the global stage.
 
As we embark on this two-day conference, I urge you to approach every discussion with collaboration at its core. Share your insights, explore innovative ideas, and work toward actionable solutions that will drive sports as an engine for change.
 
Remember, the success of sports in Fiji depends not just on the efforts of one ministry, one organization, or one individual—it is the collective vision and commitment of all of us working together.
 
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Fiji National Sports Commission and all national sports organisations for their tireless dedication to advancing sports in our country. I am confident that the outcomes of this conference will reflect our shared commitment to making sports a pillar of national development.
 
Vinaka vakalevu, and may this conference inspire meaningful action and lasting change.