Storytelling has been woven throughout Pita Loloma’s work across many different sectors in Fiji.
Youth advocate Pita Loloma says listening is an essential part of storytelling, which he uses to amplify the achievements and concerns of Fiji’s young people.
Suva-based, Pita wears many hats, and is currently the Public Relations Officer for the National Youth Council of Fiji, leading media relations, communication strategies, and youth engagement initiatives.
“In my role, I am passionate about using storytelling and strategic communication to create visibility for youth-led initiatives and to ensure that young voices are represented in decision-making spaces,” Pita says.
“I listen first, then share the collective experiences, culture and resilience.
“I use indigenous knowledge, real climate experiences, and youth voices to share stories that connect communities with leaders and decision-makers.”
Pita has a background in fisheries science, community development, and environmental stewardship, complemented by years of hands-on experience in civil society, government, and regional organizations.
Always striving to develop and progress his leadership skills, Pita is currently interning with the Asia-Pacific Youth Network (APYN).
“Here I had the opportunity to represent Pacific youth at the Pacific Leaders Meeting in Tonga, where I worked with civil society partners and the Pacific Islands Forum to help draft and communicate key advocacy messages.
“Being part of the core drafting team for the Civil Society Organization (CSO) statement was a defining experience that strengthened my commitment to youth-led advocacy and regional cooperation.”
When it comes to working with youth in the region, Pita says digital technology is a must, and digital platforms have helped him share Pacific stories more widely and directly.
“One key benefit is access: digital tools allow me to amplify youth voices, document community realities, and connect across the Pacific and globally,” Pita says.
“The challenge lies in navigating digital fatigue, misinformation, and ensuring cultural stories are shared with respect and consent.
“While they grow for greater connection, I am mindful to ensure stories are shared thoughtfully and remain true to the communities they come from.”
Adding to his already full plate, Pita has been selected alongside 29 other Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) from 20 countries in the region, to attend the YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop, with a focus on truth, transparency, and technology.
Hosted by the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), the four-day workshop will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand from March 10-13, 2026.
Pita hopes to strengthen his digital storytelling skills while learning new tools and approaches that centre Pacific narratives ethically and creatively at the workshop, he says.
“I am most looking forward to connecting with fellow Pacific storytellers, learning from Māori perspectives, and experiencing how indigenous storytelling is practiced and protected in Aotearoa.
“I see this as an opportunity for cultural exchange, reflection, and strengthening regional solidarity through shared stories.”
Storytelling can take many forms, and the high calibre of successful applicants selected from over 200 candidates for the workshop, have a variety of backgrounds, from media and communications specialists to educators, researchers, health practitioners, digital entrepreneurs and visual artists.
Cohort to attend the March workshop:
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Camo Diaz Egurrola (Guåhan)
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Clarriann Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Jasmine Leota (Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Michaela Montoya Gatdula (CNMI)
- Ondine Moyatea-Ferdnandez (New Caledonia)
- Dr Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Antonnia Singut (PNG)
- Penina Sua-loa (Samoa)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Toshida (Hawai’i)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.