The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) secretariat has embarked on a new initiative through the use of a virtual meeting room in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the secretariat said through the use of these virtual meeting rooms, members could continue to collaborate online in real time via the internet.
“This online platform is a crucial vehicle to continue to see its work for members at this difficult time,” the MSG stated.
“On April 29, the MSG Secretariat successfully facilitated an online bilateral meeting between trade, biosecurity and health officials of Fiji and Vanuatu through the Trade, Investment, and Economic Development Programme.”
Acting Director George Hoa’au said the success of the first bilateral meeting between their members facilitated through the use of the online platform would set precedence going forward.
“This is a positive way to respond to this adversity, and a manifestation of innovations that the MSG Secretariat explored to ensure delivery of services to members.”
He said the use of zoom facility was recently tested by the Secretariat’s information & technology (IT) division.
“The bilateral meeting last week proved that despite travel restrictions, the secretariat can still continue to implement its work program, which was recently approved during the Governing Body Meetings in Suva in February this year.”