Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, H.E Baron Divavesi Waqa speaking at the PIFS-PINA Regional Media Workshop.
BY JOY OFASIA
As the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Regional Media Workshop wrapped up in Honiara this Sunday, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Baron Divavesi Waqa, left over 40 journalists from across the Pacific region inspired and reenergized.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Secretary General Waqa praised the vital role of media in shaping the Pacific’s future, especially with the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting set to begin next week.
“As we bring this important regional media workshop to a close, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each one of you—for your presence, your passion, and your enduring commitment to the role of journalism in our Blue Pacific region,” he said.
Held under the theme “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent,” the upcoming Forum Leaders Meeting is expected to address pressing issues such as climate change, economic resilience, and ocean governance—areas where Waqa said media plays a crucial role.
“Journalists are not just observers of our regional story—you are part of it,” he told the regional and local journalists. “You are the eyes and ears of our communities… the trusted voices that help our people make sense of the challenges we face.”
Waqa also recognised the difficulties faced by Pacific media professionals, noting the “evolving technologies and limited resources” many grapple with daily. But he offered a promise of support.
“We recognise the challenges you face… But I want to say this clearly: the Pacific Islands Forum sees you. We value you. We are committed to working with you.”
With the largest-ever media presence for a Forum Leaders Meeting, Waqa urged journalists to report on the event “truthfully, fairly, accurately, and in a balanced way.”
Meanwhile, he closed the session with a commitment to make the regional media workshop an annual event and called for even deeper collaboration between journalists and Pacific institutions.
“Let this workshop not be an end, but a beginning… Let us continue to build on mutual trust and shared understanding, so we can amplify the voices of the Blue Pacific Continent.”
As the journalists packed up to prepare for a pivotal week ahead, many left with a renewed sense of purpose—and a few words that will stay with them.
“Tagio tumas, Tubwa and Vinaka vakalevu,” Waqa said in closing—offering thanks in multiple Pacific languages, and perhaps, speaking to the heart of a united regional media.
