I had the privilege of serving as a keynote speaker at the recent Blue Light Youth Development Conference held in Fiji, an event hosted collaboratively by Blue Light New Zealand and Fiji Police. The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the Pacific, as well as representatives from Australia and the United States, all united by a shared commitment to youth development.

During my presentation, I focused on the transformative power of creativity and its vital role in positively shaping the lives of young people in the Pacific region. I shared insights from my own experiences working through initiatives such as Dressed in Confidence and Nora Swann Ltd., emphasizing how these projects have fostered confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose among youth.

It was inspiring to be part of such an engaging platform where ideas, strategies, and success stories were exchanged among professionals and organizations dedicated to empowering the next generation. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on what initiatives have proven effective in the past and to explore innovative approaches for connecting with youth in meaningful ways.

Ultimately, our collective goal is clear: to uplift and support our young people, who are the future leaders of our communities. It is essential that they are included in current conversations, given a voice, and provided with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Being part of this gathering reinforced my belief that, through collaboration and shared purpose, we can create a lasting positive impact on youth development across the Pacific and beyond