By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has reminded journalists that they are not just observers but part of the Pacific’s regional story, as the Forum prepares to open its Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
Closing the PIFS–PINA Regional Media Workshop on Sunday, Waqa said the media’s role is central to accountability and to helping communities understand the decisions taken by Forum Leaders.
“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.
“Journalists are not just observers of our regional story—you are part of it. You are the eyes and ears of our communities, the trusted voices that help our people make sense of the challenges we face, and the agents of accountability who help keep our institutions transparent and responsive,” Waqa told participants.
He said the workshop theme—“Iumi Together: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent”—applied equally to the partnership between Forum institutions and regional media.
“Your work helps ensure that regional priorities—whether it’s climate change, ocean governance, security, or economic resilience—are communicated with accuracy, urgency, and context. These are not just policy issues. They are lived realities for our people,” he said.
With 140 journalists accredited to cover the Forum Leaders Meeting, Waqa said the media was the largest single delegation to Honiara.
“I have been informed that 140 journalists from the region, the Solomon Islands, and around the world have registered and were successfully accredited to report on this year’s Meeting. This makes media the largest delegation to Honiara.
“The decisions taken during the meetings of the Forum Leaders will shape the direction of our region for years to come. Your coverage, in a truthful, fair, accurate, and balanced way, will shape how those decisions are understood, debated, and remembered by our Pacific citizens,” he said.
Waqa acknowledged the pressures faced by journalists, including limited resources and changing technologies, but assured them of the Forum’s support.
“I want to say this clearly: the Pacific Islands Forum sees you. We value you. We are committed to working with you. And we reaffirm our continuous support to ensure that this regional media workshop is convened every year,” he said.
“Let this workshop not be an end, but a beginning—a platform for stronger collaboration between Forum institutions and regional media”.
He urged media and Forum institutions to strengthen collaboration built on “mutual trust, open dialogue, and shared understanding,” adding that the Solomon Islands’ hospitality had made the gathering possible.
“To all our media colleagues, we wish you well with your work and reporting during the coming week,” Waqa said.
