The fight against scams requires collaborative efforts, as emphasized by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, during the National Scam Awareness Week held in Suva.
Mr. Kamikamica noted that this awareness 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).
Throughout the week, new initiatives were launched by the UN, the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU. The Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Shaheen Ali, underscored the necessity of international cooperation in strengthening Fiji’s digital resilience.
He stated, “The invaluable support from our partners Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union towards National Scam Awareness Week has been instrumental in creating awareness and identifying strategies to bolster Fiji’s digital defenses.” He also highlighted the ongoing commitment to Fiji through the UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme as a reflection of the partners’ acknowledgment of its importance.
The EU’s focus on enhancing Fiji’s digital and financial capacity was a significant point during the opening session. Mr. Pedro Velazquez, head of the Section for Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, and Health, underscored the EU’s commitment to building digital resilience throughout the Pacific region.
He remarked, “Our goal is to strengthen digital and financial capacities at the community, industry, and policy levels. The same commitment is reflected here in Fiji, which is why the European Union is collaborating with the governments of Australia and New Zealand through UNCDF.” Velazquez also affirmed the EU’s strong support for the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.