The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa, has emphasized the integral role of journalists in shaping the region’s narrative as the Forum’s Leaders Meeting in Honiara approaches. At the conclusion of the PIFS–PINA Regional Media Workshop, Waqa reiterated the significance of the media in enhancing accountability and providing communities with a deeper understanding of the decisions made by Forum leaders. He extended his appreciation to the journalists, acknowledging their vital contribution as part of the regional story and urging them to report with fairness and accuracy.
The workshop, carrying the theme “Iumi Together: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent,” underscored the partnership between the Forum and the regional media. Waqa stressed that media coverage ensures regional priorities such as climate change, ocean governance, and security are communicated effectively, recognizing these issues as everyday realities for Pacific people.
This year’s gathering in Honiara sees the media forming the largest delegation, with 140 journalists from the region and beyond accredited to cover the Forum Leaders Meeting. The decisions made during the meeting will influence the Pacific’s future trajectory, and Waqa called on the media to ensure their reporting reflects the truth and fosters debate and memory among Pacific citizens.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists, including resource constraints and evolving technologies, Waqa assured media professionals of the Forum’s support. He called for stronger collaboration built on mutual trust and open dialogue between media and Forum institutions, further strengthened by the hospitality of the Solomon Islands.
The upcoming Leaders Meeting in Honiara follows the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva, where key issues such as climate resilience, security, and regional cooperation were discussed. There, Waqa reinforced the importance of a unified Pacific voice and urged leaders to prioritize initiatives that positively impact the daily lives of Pacific peoples.
The discussions aim to turn ministerial priorities into actionable outcomes, with critical topics like ocean stewardship and digital connectivity expected to steer the Leaders’ Meeting towards practical actions for the Blue Pacific Continent. This unity of purpose and regional collaboration signals a hopeful future for the Pacific Islands, promoting resilience and integration across the region.
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