The fight against scammers requires a united approach, as emphasized by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, during the National Scam Awareness Week in Suva. He described the awareness initiative as a significant step in Fiji’s battle against fraud, supported by Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU).
During the National Scam Awareness Week, new initiatives were launched in collaboration with the UN, the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU. Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, underscored the importance of international cooperation in strengthening Fiji’s digital resilience in his opening comments.
Ali noted, “The invaluable support from our partners Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union towards National Scam Awareness Week has been instrumental in creating awareness and strategies to enhance Fiji’s digital defenses. The ongoing commitment to Fiji through the UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme highlights our partners’ recognition of its crucial significance.”
The EU’s focus on enhancing Fiji’s digital and financial capabilities was also emphasized during the opening session. Mr. Pedro Velazquez, head of the Section for Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, and Health, spoke about the EU’s commitment to strengthening digital resilience throughout the Pacific.
Velazquez stated, “The same commitment is evident here in Fiji. This is why the European Union is working together with the governments of Australia and New Zealand through UNCDF. We have also been strong supporters of this inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.”