Queen Elizabeth II recognises Tongan activist with Commonwealth award [1]
Monday, October 18, 2021 - 14:19. Updated on Monday, October 18, 2021 - 14:22.
A Tongan activist Taufu’i ‘Ae Valu Naufahu (33) has been recognised internationally for his exceptional voluntary service supporting the LGBTQI community.
HM Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, on 15 October, recognised Taufu’i representing Tonga, as the 199th Commonwealth Point of Light. The award recognises one inspirational volunteer each week from across the 54 Commonwealth countries.
Taufu’i is President of the ‘Tonga Leitis Association’, Tonga’s only organisation providing advocacy for transgender and non-binary communities. The group has recently collaborated with religious organisations that run emergency weather shelters to accommodate LGBTQI citizens, after research conducted by the association found that this community will be among the most vulnerable to climate change.
Taufu'i said he was excited and proud to receive the award.
“I am extremely honoured to have been nominated for this award. It first caught me by surprise because I did not think for a second that what I do, in a small island such as Tonga, can receive this type of recognition.
“I’ve taken the time to look back and think about the youth and the community that I am highly involved in their activities and works and said to myself, this is a great start for Tonga. If we need to make a change then we should just do it while we still can and change it to the max.”
Lucy Joyce OBE, the British High Commissioner to Tonga, congratulated Taufu'i for this achievement. “We recognize the great deal of work he is a part of and the inspirational figure he is to our young people. May his example encourage individuals to serve willingly and rise where they stand in making a difference for the greater good in their respective communities.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 54 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting in London 2018 brought together leaders from all the 54 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why the Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers [2] across the Commonwealth in this special way.