Joshua Sefesi has won the Queen’s Young Leader Award this year for his work in raising awareness among young people on sexual reproductive health and women’s rights in Tonga.

He will travel to London, UK to receive the award personally from HM Queen Elizabeth II later this month and also embark on a one-week residential program in the UK which includes training, mentoring and networking.

The award recognizes young exceptional people aged 18-29 years from across the Commonwealth who are using their skills to lead their communities and transform lives.

Joshua is currently a regional youth representative of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and a former volunteer at the Tonga Family Health Association between 2015-17.

He assists with educating young people about widespread issues faced by Tongan women and girls, such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence and where they can find support, as well as educating young men on equality and safe sexual practices.

Joshua also raises awareness through the IPPF’s #KnowItOwnIt online campaign demanding better quality and comprehensive sex education throughout Tonga and the Asia-Pacific.

The Queen’s Young Leader Award is in its fourth and final year and has formed a community of 240 influential change-makers representing 53 Commonwealth countries.