SUVA (Fiji) – The FIBA Foundation Youth Leaders Program has concluded in Fiji with 20 participants from 11 nations across the Oceania region taking part in the 2025 edition of the program.
Aligning with FIBA's strategic priority of Youth Development, the core focus of the program is to facilitate, and empower the next generation of leaders on, and off the court through Basketball For Good initiatives.
“It was an inspiring week to be amongst other youth leaders from the region,” Cook Islands Youth Leader Brianna Lewis said. “Learning about how we can make a difference in our communities through Basketball For Good highlighted the important role we play in educating the next generation of ballers about more than basketball.”
The in-person component of the program followed four online sessions that introduced and elaborated on topics that included communication, diversity, inclusion, leadership, and personal development.
“Having the in-person component of the program compliment the online sessions was highly beneficial,” Ms Lewis said. “The sessions on gender equality, and diversity was really eye-opening, and I think we all sat up, and listened to how we can positively influence our communities back home.”
Hosted in Suva, Fiji, this was the first time the program was hosted outside of Australia, and New Zealand, with the host country providing participants with insight into grassroots basketball development in the region.
"As a visual learner, watching the Hoops for Equality program in action on our first day was a game-changer,” Vanuatu Youth Leader Terrence Coleman said. “That initial observation, combined with their explanations and my peers' insights, drove home a crucial point: the success of the drills isn't just about the movements, it's about the powerful message embedded within them."
Supported by the FIBA Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the extended collaboration significantly boosted the regional offering with FIBA Executive Officer – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins highlighting the importance of these partnerships to elevate program sustainability in the region.
“The FIBA Foundation Youth Leadership Program is an important initiative within our region, and the added support from MFAT this year enabled us to really elevate how the program was delivered and can be sustained when Youth Leaders return to their home countries,” Ms Jenkins said. “Longevity of FIBA grassroots programs in the region like Youth Leaders this will not only underpin the future of basketball, but provide communities with a unique way to educate, inform, and empower the next generation.”
Acting Head of Mission, New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Alex Shahryar-Davies, attended the opening ceremony of the workshop and emphasised the importance of youth leadership programs being integrated through sports.
“New Zealand is proud to support FIBA's Youth Leadership program through our Pacific Sport for Development Fund, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to sport in the Pacific,” Mr Shahryar-Davies said.
“We believe sport is a powerful, unifying force, capable of transcending divides, fostering positive change, and engaging youth in critical issues. This is especially true in the Pacific, where sport is often woven into the community fabric. We recognize the immense talent, energy, and potential of Pacific youth, and by providing them with the right tools, we are confident they will become the leaders who will positively transform their communities and the world."
Youth Leaders will now return to their home countries to put into action their program learnings by conducting their own Basketball For Good projects with mentorship from FIBA staff.
About FIBA Youth Leaders
The FIBA Foundation’s Youth Leadership program is a global Basketball For Good initiative giving youths the skills and opportunities to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. The Youth Leaders are supported to create their own community impact project, growing the Basketball For Good family worldwide.
About MFAT
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trading (MFAT) is New Zealand's link to the world, shaping foreign policy, trade, and providing development support, especially in the Pacific. They champion youth development and international cooperation for a better global future. With a commitment to youth development and regional partnerships, MFAT’s strategic objectives aligns with the FIBA Foundation Youth Leaders program goals of fostering leadership and creating positive social impact across the Pacific.