Former Miss South Pacific Merewalesi Nailatikau today joined a global list of international goodwill ambassadors and regional and national ambassadors for UNICEF.
At the launch of UNICEF's State of the World Childrens Report 2011, UNICEF announced Nailatikau's appointment as the first ever UNICEF Regional Ambassador for the Pacific.
UNICEF representative Isiye Ndombi said Nailatikau joined a growing list of well known and highly respected personalities throughout the world from sports, music, and performing and film arts and many other specialist fields who play an important advocacy role to help promote the work of UNICEF.
UNICEF's Goodwill and regional ambassadors include world renowned figures like Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, Soccer's most valuable player David Beckham, and Hollywood stars such as Orlando Bloom, Jackie Chan Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Ricky Martin and Susan Sarandon.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Nailatikau said she knows that the role comes with huge responsibilities to ensure the voice and concerns of the youth in the Pacific is echoed on the world stage.
Meanwhile, this year, UNICEF has dedicated the State of the World report to adolescents.
Ndombi said the report refers to adolescence as the age of opportunity when learning and development of skills are at their greatest heights.
He said it is during this time that adolescents are able to develop skills to pull themselves out of poverty and make a significant contribution to their communities.
However, he stressed that is also a time when risk, vulnerability and missed opportunities can completely derail their development and potential.
The report was launched at a function at USP this afternoon.
Story by: Roneel Lal
Former Miss South Pacific chosen as UNICEF goodwill ambassador
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when