Fiji has formally proposed its candidacy to host the 2026 Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Media Summit, suggesting Savusavu as the event’s location.
This announcement coincides with the ongoing 7th PINA Media Summit in Alofi, Niue, where more than 70 media professionals from seven countries have gathered. A decision regarding the host for the 2026 summit is expected to be announced later this week.
The summit officially begins today, following four pre-summit workshops that participants have already engaged in. Key topics of discussion have included the strengthening of national media associations, reporting on public finance management, and addressing emerging climate and environmental issues in the Pacific region.
A highlight of this year’s pre-summit activities is the “Women in Media” workshop, conducted by femLINKpacific and supported by The Asia Foundation. This workshop aims to improve gender equity in media leadership and representation, attracting over 15 participants from various organizations across the Pacific and Australia.
The primary theme of the main summit will be “Navigating Media Resilience: Press Freedoms, AI, and Geopolitical Interests.” Discussions will focus on how Pacific media can adapt to changes in technology and external pressures.
Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fijian Media Association, underscored PINA’s significance in shaping media in the region and upholding journalistic principles in the face of ongoing challenges.
Throughout the week, attendees will delve into the implications of AI for journalism and the critical need to safeguard press freedoms. The summit will wrap up with the publication of the “State of the Pacific Media Report,” followed by the PINA Annual General Meeting.