FIJI took a major step in public engagement on Monday, as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened the country’s first Government Communications Conference.
Hosted by the Ministry of Information, in partnership with the United Kingdom Government Communication Service, the one-day event brought together government media liaison officers and communication coordinators to share knowledge and strengthen public outreach.
“Today, I have come to tell us that the Government cannot succeed if it cannot communicate,” Mr Rabuka said.
“When citizens understand what the Government is doing and why, they are more likely to engage, to trust, and to participate in our democracy, our mission.”
He warned that with elections approaching, disinformation could test public trust. During the event, the Prime Minister launched the SAUTU Counter-Disinformation Framework, a Fijian adaptation of the UK’s RESIST 3, calling it “our shield against disinformation.”
The Government Communications Guidebook was also unveiled to provide practical standards for communicators across Government.
British High Commissioner Kanbar Hossein-Bor praised the initiative, describing effective government communication as a “life-saving infrastructure” and highlighting the importance of a free, independent media in sustaining democracy.
Mr Rabuka described media officers as the bridge between government and the people, emphasising the need for clear, coordinated, and resilient communication in Fiji’s rapidly evolving information landscape.
Brenda Caucau, left, and Nanise Neimila at the opening of the Fiji Government Communications Conference in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
From left, Maravu Naivalu, Josefa Naeqe and Samisoni Niumaoma during the opening of the Fiji Government Communications Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Monday.
Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Azaria Fareen, left, and Shilta Singh during the opening of the Fiji Government Communications Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
From left, Alisi Senikuta, Lavenia Vulawalu and Losena Tudreu at the Fiji Government Communications Conference. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Participants during the opening of the Fiji Government Communications conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Monday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
PM Sitiveni Rabuka and British High Commissioner Kanbar Hossein-Bor during the launch of the Government Communication Guidebook and SAUTU – The Fijian Counter Disinformation Framework booklet. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Members of the diplomatic corps and guests at the opening of the Fiji Government Communications Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Monday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Civil Servants at the opening of the Fiji Government Communications conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
From left, Makelesi Rokoleka, Vaciseva Levu, Makereta Tuivanua and Tarusila Loqini at the conference. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Participants register before the opening of the Fiji Government Communications conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
From left, Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea and Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Aliki Bia at the Fiji Government Communications Conference on Monday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Jese Tuisinu, left, and Peni Shute at the opening of the Fiji Government Communications Conference. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Ana Naisoro, left, and Ronald Deo at the opening of the Fiji Government Communications conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
