The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat scams during the National Scam Awareness Week in Suva. He noted that this initiative marked a significant step forward in Fiji’s ongoing battle against fraudulent activities, with backing from the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU).
As part of National Scam Awareness Week, new initiatives were introduced by the UN, Pacific Digital Economy Programme, and the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the EU. In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Shaheen Ali, highlighted the crucial role of international collaboration in enhancing Fiji’s digital resilience.
Mr. Ali spoke about the vital assistance from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU in raising awareness and developing strategies to bolster Fiji’s digital defenses. He acknowledged UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme as a significant demonstration of the partners’ commitment to Fiji.
The EU’s focus on enhancing Fiji’s digital and financial capabilities was also a central theme during the session. Mr. Pedro Velazquez, the head of the Section for Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, and Health, reinforced the EU’s commitment to building digital resilience in the Pacific. He mentioned that their aim is to strengthen digital and financial capacities across various levels within the community, industry, and policy-making.
Mr. Velazquez stated that the EU’s collaborative efforts with the Australian and New Zealand governments through UNCDF underscore this commitment, which is exemplified by their support for the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.