Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations – PIANGO hosted its Third Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Breakfast program for emerging leaders from civil society with the Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji, David Ateti Teaabo to welcome and celebrate his appointment not only as a relatively young diplomat.
Teaabo, himself, a former civil society advocate and key member in the revival of the Kiribati Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in 2015, encouraged emerging Pacific youth leaders to pursue leadership roles using life wisdom lessons past down from elders to ensure inter-generational connection.
Speaking to about 30 student and civil society members at Café 30 in Suva, he shared his life experiences.
He stressed a strong foundation in relationships with people always starts with respect for elders and having an ear to listen.
Responding to his remarks, Fiji Council of Social Services executive director Vani Catanasiga says it was encouraging to take lessons from Teaabo’s experience, adding it was a misconception that “you have to be perfect”.
Fenton Lutunatabua, the Regional director of climate advocacy group 350.Org, says it was heartening and important to know how relationality with elders played a crucial role in maintaining a balance as the Pacific islands embraced the future.
