From climate activist to a political candidate: Raduva says Fiji youth need a seat at the table

Ann-Mary Raduva has spent years pushing for action on climate change and the environment. Now, at 22, she wants to take that fight into Fiji’s political decision-making spaces.

Raduva, one of the Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) proposed candidates for the 2026 General Election, says moving from grassroots activism into politics is about having a direct role in shaping decisions that affect Fiji’s future.

“It’s a way where I could contribute to discussion tables and climate negotiation spaces where we come up with solutions that will benefit us and our future generations,” she told PMN News.

The Tailevu-Rotuma university student has been involved in environmental advocacy since she was young, including beach clean-ups and campaigning against balloon pollution.

Her political work has also taken her into formal decision-making spaces, including being part of SODELPA’s submission team to the Constitution Review Commission.

Raduva says those experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, consultation, accountability and transparency.

AnnMary Raduva, closest to camera, was part of the SODELPA team that made a submission to the Fiji Constitution Review Committee. Photo/ Parliamen of Fijit

“Our people deserve to know our plans, they deserve to be listened to, to be seen, to be included in everything that we do.”

She knows her age will be questioned in a political space where experience is often measured in years.

“I may not have the experience or the formal qualifications, but I bring heart. Heart to listen, heart to empower, heart to serve, heart to lead the next generation,” Raduva said.

Among influential people AnnMary Raduva has met is the former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in which the climate activist shared share about her Say No to Balloon Releasing campaign. Photo/Facebook

“At the end of the day, I'm here on a temporary purpose, and that is to serve the heartbeat of our nation, and that's our people in all spaces.”

For Raduva, getting more young people involved is not simply about having younger candidates on the ballot.

“Politicians think of the next general elections, but I think of the next generation,” Raduva said.

“We must see young people as collaborators. We must see young people as leaders of today and not tomorrow. We are citizens of Fiji; we must be seen, heard, and included in all spaces so that our voices matter.”

She says that it is also about rebuilding young people's trust in the democratic process.

Raduva says her decision to contest under SODELPA reflects her alignment with the party’s values, including education, economic stability, cultural heritage and youth participation.

AnnMary Raduva views youth participation as critical to reviving trust in the democratic process. Photo/ AnnMary Raduva Facebook

“SODELPA is also ready to pass on the baton to our young people of our beautiful nation, engaging them in discussions to understand the works of the party and what can and could be done differently.”

Economic growth and social stability are also priorities for her.

“In order for Fiji to have economic growth and stability, we must first have raw and honest conversations and dialogues for the future of Fiji and for our people,” she said.

“Investing in our people, providing opportunities, benefits, security and stability for our people... that we can do it and we will always win this together.”

Climate and environmental protection remain central to her political platform, particularly pollution and its long-term impact on Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Raduva says young women entering politics should expect criticism but not let it define them.

Watch AnnMary Raduva's interview on PMN Fiji below.

“As a young woman stepping into this space, you will be stigmatized, you will be attacked, you will be criticized all the time because of your age, your gender, and your background,” she said.

“But continue to be who you are, know your facts... surround yourself with people that will continuously lift you up.”

Her message to Fiji’s young people is simple: register, turn up and use their vote.

Raduva says the generation that will live with today’s decisions should also have a say in making them.

The Fijian Elections Office says Fiji’s next general election is expected to be held between late December 2026 and early February 2027.