LocationsBeyond Graduation: Young Pacific Voices Ready to Make a Difference
November 4, 2026
Cohort 4 of the UNDP Student Ambassador Programme after the graduation.
"There was a time when I believed my voice did not belong in a climate conversation. I believed that space was reserved for experts, for leaders, and for those with more titles than I held."
For Shania Shweta Chand, a Marine Science Master's scholar at The University of the South Pacific (USP), that belief changed through her journey with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Student Ambassadors Programme.
Speaking at the graduation of the programme's fourth cohort, Shania reflected on how the experience had given her the confidence to speak about issues closest to her heart such as climate action, gender equality and the protection of the Pacific Ocean.
"I leave this programme knowing that none of us has to wait to become an expert, a leader or a decision-maker. We can begin where we are, and with what we have."
The graduation, held at the UNDP Pacific Office in Suva, Fiji brought together 30 pacific youths from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, 24 of whom were women.
For the graduates, the occasion marked more than the completion of a programme. It was an opportunity to reflect on the people they had met, the experiences they had gained and how they hoped to carry that learning into their communities.
Learning beyond the classroom
For Lovelyn Laurelle Giva-Tuke, a Master's student in Sociology at USP, the programme strengthened her understanding of how development issues connect with the everyday realities of Pacific communities.
Representing Solomon Islands at the graduation, Lovelyn spoke of her connections to Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Cook Islands, describing herself as "a daughter of the Pacific".
Her journey took her through workshops, conferences, forums and awareness programmes, exposing her to issues beyond her initial interests in quality education, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice and strong institutions.
The experience also reinforced an important lesson that development is not simply about policies, statistics or international commitments, but about people and their everyday lives.
"Behind every development goal or policy are real people, with real struggles, hopes and dreams," she said.
Lovelyn believes that while young people should have greater opportunities to participate in decision-making, those who have benefited from programmes such as this also have a responsibility to share their knowledge.
Not every young person will have the opportunity to attend a regional conference or development workshop, she explained. But conversations in classrooms, churches, youth groups and communities can help bring these issues closer to home.
"Being an advocate does not mean knowing everything. It means being willing to learn, to listen and to help others understand why these issues matter."
Shania Chand (right) with Presidency Youth Climate Champion for COP31, Sally Higgins.
Lovelyn Laurelle Giva-Tuke, contributing to a discussion during the Pacific Youth Talanoa Series in Suva, Fiji.
Finding purpose in shared experiences
For Krishali Sami, who recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Science and Management at Fiji National University, Cohort 4 offered the opportunity to build on her earlier participation in Cohort 3.
Through UNDP's Essential Skills Series and other learning sessions, Krishali developed a greater appreciation of communication, collaboration, leadership and personal growth as important elements of effective advocacy.
Equally meaningful were the relationships formed with other ambassadors.
The opportunity to meet young people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives reminded her that learning happens not only during formal sessions but also through informal conversations, shared activities and friendships.
Passionate about environmental sustainability and climate action, Krishali hopes to use these experiences to encourage more young people to take action within their own communities.
"Being a UNDP Student Ambassador is more than just holding a title. It is about learning, connecting, inspiring others, and taking action towards a better future."
For fellow graduate Ruthie Konusi, making a difference started with something simple: placing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) posters and information materials around a postgraduate laboratory to encourage conversations among students and visitors.
With a particular interest in quality education (SDG 4) and life below water (SDG 14), Ruthie wanted to help others understand how these goals relate to everyday life, particularly in Pacific communities where education and the ocean play important roles in shaping livelihoods and opportunities.
Her participation in the Pacific Talanoa sessions also gave her an opportunity to hear different perspectives on development challenges and the role young people can play in addressing them.
The experience strengthened her commitment to learning and advocacy, showing that contributing to sustainable development does not always require a large project. Sometimes, it begins with a conversation.
Krishali Sami, sharing her reflections during the graduation.
Ruthie Konusi reflected on how small conversations can contribute to sustainable development.
From Pacific conversations to community action
Throughout the programme, ambassadors engaged in discussions on development challenges affecting the region, including climate change, ocean protection, inequality and youth participation.
For Shania, the Pacific Pre-COP Youth Talanoa Series and subsequent exchanges ahead of COP31 were particularly significant.
These conversations helped her better understand international climate processes and the importance of ensuring Pacific experiences and local knowledge inform global discussions.
Drawing on her upbringing in Rakiraki, Fiji, she spoke about the realities of flooding and its impact on families, agricultural livelihoods and children's access to education.
Her experience also reinforced that Pacific young people have valuable perspectives to contribute, whether through scientific research, community knowledge or their lived experiences.
For Lovelyn, Krishali, Ruthie and their fellow ambassadors, the next challenge is translating what they have learned into continued engagement in their respective communities.
As the fourth cohort graduates, their reflections offer a reminder that investing in young people is not only about preparing future leaders. It is also about recognising the contributions they can make today.
Lovelyn perhaps captured that sentiment best when she challenged her fellow graduates to look beyond the certificates they had received.
"Let this experience be more than just another certificate on our walls or another achievement on our CVs. Let it show in the way we lead, the way we serve and the way we encourage others."
The programme may have ended, but for these young Pacific advocates, the journey continues.
About the UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme
The UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme is part of a global UNDP initiative that introduces university students to the work of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through mentorship, professional development and practical learning opportunities, the programme supports young people to become informed advocates for sustainable development.
This year's graduation marks Fiji's second cohort under the programme, contributing to a growing network of young Pacific advocates who can apply their knowledge and experiences in their studies, workplaces and communities.
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