The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts in combating scams during the National Scam Awareness Week held in Suva. He noted that this initiative marks a significant step in Fiji’s battle against fraudulent activities, supported by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU).
As part of the awareness week, new initiatives were launched by the UN, Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU. Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, reiterated the value of international cooperation in boosting Fiji’s digital resilience in his opening remarks. He expressed gratitude for the support from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU, which has been crucial in raising awareness and developing strategies to enhance Fiji’s digital security.
The EU’s commitment to strengthening Fiji’s digital and financial infrastructure was a focal point during the event. Pedro Velazquez, head of the Section for Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, and Health, emphasized the EU’s role in promoting digital resilience across the Pacific. He stated that their goal is to enhance digital and financial capacities at various levels, including community, industry, and policy.
Velazquez highlighted the EU’s ongoing collaboration with Australia and New Zealand through the UNCDF and underscored their strong support for the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.