PM Rabuka opens 8th Pacific Media Summit
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened the 8th Pacific Media Summit on Wednesday in Savusavu, on Vanua Levu Island, north of the capital, Suva.
In his address to participants, he called for stronger and independent journalism to help build a ‘connected Blue Pacific’.
Prime Minister Rabuka told delegates the summits theme “Reaching the Remote: Media Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific”, reflects the need to ensure no community is left behind.
He says the Ocean of Peace Declaration, endorsed by the Pacific leaders last year, is about sovereignty, unity and peaceful resolution of conflict, with media playing a central role.
Rabuka reaffirmed his government’s repeal of the Media Industry Development Act, saying democracy requires fearless journalism that can question, investigate and expose corruption.
He also launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism, a partnership between Fiji National University and the Fijian Media Association, to strengthen training, research and digital literacy.
The Prime Minister cautioned against misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, stressing that freedom must come with responsibility.
He highlighted Fiji’s SAUTU Counter-Disinformation Framework, introduced earlier this year, as part of his government’s efforts to safeguard democratic institutions.
Rabuka urged the media to document Pacific stories on climate change, poverty and resilience, saying the region must ‘speak for itself’ on the global stage.
He says independent journalism and digital innovation are vital in building a resilient and united Pacific.
NBC journalist Kelvin Kaspar is in Savusavu attending the summit. This is what Prime Minister Rabuka said when asked about his views on the media in the Pacific.
The Pacific Islands News Association Media Summit is the region’s flagship biennial gathering bringing together journalists, editors, broadcasters, governments, academics and development partners to discuss press freedom, digital innovation, sustainability and challenges facing media in the Pacific.
It serves as a platform for collaboration, training and dialogue on issues impacting the industry and the wider region.