The United Kingdom has endorsed Fiji’s push to overhaul how government information is shared, calling effective public communication “life-saving infrastructure” and stressing that weak messaging can cost lives and weaken democracy. The support came at the inaugural cross-government communications conference, where British High Commissioner Kanbar Hossein-Bor and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka set out a fresh agenda to professionalise government communications.
Hossein-Bor told conference delegates that clear and timely communication is essential for helping people understand decisions, access services and respond during crises. “Effective communication is life-saving infrastructure,” he said, adding that when governments fail to communicate clearly “misinformation will fill the gap—undermining trust and weakening democracy.” He also warned of growing global concerns about disinformation being used to divide societies and distort public debate.
The High Commissioner welcomed Fiji’s stated commitment to openness, accountability and media freedom, and acknowledged steps the country has taken to strengthen its media landscape. He framed a free and independent media as vital to democratic resilience, and presented the UK’s backing as part of international support for Fiji’s move to modernise and professionalise its communications systems.
Prime Minister Rabuka described the conference as a turning point in how the government communicates with the public. Rabuka admitted miscommunication has been a longstanding issue, saying messages from leaders were often misunderstood by audiences. He said the new focus is on ensuring “clear, accurate messaging from source to audience,” signalling a shift toward more central coordination and standards across ministries.
As part of that shift, Rabuka launched a new Government Communications Guidebook at the conference, calling it the “gold standard” for how information will be shared across ministries. The guidebook is intended to standardise practices ranging from press releases to social media messaging, giving ministries shared protocols and templates so public information is consistent and reliable.
Both Rabuka and Hossein-Bor argued that stronger communication systems will deepen public trust at home and bolster democratic resilience across the Pacific. Their comments positioned the guidebook and the conference as initial, concrete steps in a broader reform effort to reduce confusion, counter misinformation and improve public access to government services and emergency information.
Organisers said the inaugural conference is aimed at kick-starting a sustained drive to professionalise communications across government, although detailed timelines for implementing the guidebook and related training were not announced at the event. With international backing and a newly published communications framework, the government has signalled a new phase in its engagement with citizens and media — one its leaders say is critical to public safety and democratic health.
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