Fiji has formally proposed to host the 2026 Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Media Summit, with Savusavu suggested as the location. This announcement was made as over 70 media professionals from seven countries gathered in Alofi, Niue, for the 7th PINA Media Summit. A decision regarding the host country for 2026 is anticipated later this week.
The summit, which kicks off today, has already featured four pre-summit workshops. Discussions have centered on important topics such as enhancing national media associations, reporting on public finance management, and addressing emerging climate and environmental issues in the Pacific region.
A significant aspect of this year’s pre-summit is the “Women in Media” workshop, facilitated by femLINKpacific and supported by The Asia Foundation, focusing on improving gender balance in media leadership and representation. More than 15 participants from various organizations in the Pacific and Australia have joined this session.
The main summit will revolve around the theme “Navigating Media Resilience: Press Freedoms, AI, and Geopolitical Interests,” with talks planned on how Pacific media can adapt to technological advancements and external influences. Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fijian Media Association, highlighted PINA’s pivotal role in shaping regional media and upholding journalistic integrity in the face of these challenges.
Over the course of the week, participants will delve into the impact of AI on journalism and the necessity of protecting press freedoms. The summit will conclude with the publication of the “State of the Pacific Media Report,” followed by the PINA Annual General Meeting.