EXPECTATION is high. There is even a touch of anticipation. You can almost feel it. Of what though? Who knows?
The first sitting of parliament for this year which got underway on Monday is actually attracting a lot of interest.
We have a new Speaker of the House in Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Now that we are well and truly off the campaign trail, the business of getting things into perspective begins.
What we have before us is another firm step that continues our progression into an era that is embracing democracy.
In 2015, the UNDP resident representative Osnat Lubrani said, “We very much hope that the parliament will be the place and the space for very robust, but respectful, debate and discussion, a parliament where differing opinions can be voiced but also where consensus can be found.”
This, no doubt, is a very exciting time for Fiji.
This is important for democracy. It is important for our nation.
Our leaders have a chance to debate on issues that are important to us.
This week we have heard about health issues and infrastructure for instance.
Great interest is hovering on the discussions on our national budget. As our national leaders focus on this part of their duty, leaders of media companies from around the region converged on the Jetpark Hotel in Auckland for the inaugural Pacific Leader’s Summit.
The theme of the summit is ‘Words to action: The Pacific Media Reset’.
The keynote speaker during the official opening was Mark Brown, the deputy Prime Minister for the Cook Islands yesterday. Talanoa sessions were held on various topics that were identified as important for the media in the region.
These included: The Digital news reset — realities from the Pacific; Resetting Pacific media beyond 2020; Legislation, policy, and human rights in the digital media mix: challenges for CEOs; The impact of digital on media ethics and media leaders — lessons and challenges from the region; The PINA reset: Towards the Pacific media future we want for rapporteurs and drafting team; Traditional to digital: Power in your hand: People at the heart of the digital age; The reset is now: Pacific media towards 2020; Pacific edge: News and digital trends to name a few.
The summit has attracted editors and CEOs of media organisations from around the region, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience which we hope will be a strong base for the development of the media in our region.
At the end of the day, events such as the parliamentary sessions are important for our nation.
They are critical for our development as a nation and for the betterment of our lives.
In Auckland, the summit, hopefully will aid in stakeholders coming together to strengthen PINA and re-engage with its audience across all platforms. Both are important for Fiji.
