The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized the importance of collective action in combating scams during the National Scam Awareness Week held in Suva. He stated that this initiative marks a significant step in Fiji’s efforts against fraudulent activities, with valuable support from the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU).
Throughout National Scam Awareness Week, various partners, including the UN and the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, introduced new initiatives to tackle digital scams. Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, highlighted the critical role of international collaboration in boosting Fiji’s digital resilience.
Ali acknowledged the crucial support from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU in raising awareness and developing strategies to enhance Fiji’s digital defenses. He noted that the dedication evident through the UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme demonstrates the international community’s recognition of this pressing issue.
During the opening session, Mr. Pedro Velazquez, head of the EU’s Section for Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, and Health, reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening digital and financial resilience in the Pacific. He explained that the goal is to enhance capacities across communities, industries, and policy levels, and this commitment is particularly strong in Fiji as part of the collaboration with Australia and New Zealand. Velazquez also expressed the EU’s support for the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.