By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Pacific media must ensure the region’s stories are told by Pacific voices and from a Pacific perspective, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa said as he opened the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Regional Media Training Workshop in Palau Friday.
The workshop brings together Pacific journalists ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Palau next week.
Waqa acknowledged the support of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, the Palau government and people in preparations for the Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
“It is indeed my great honour and pleasure to join you today to welcome you to this important annual media training ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.”
“Let me first acknowledge the gracious support and assistance provided by His Excellency President WHipps, as well as the government and people of the Republic of Palau, on the arrangements of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting next week, as well as the hospitality and warmth of welcome extended to us all.
“Let me just say thank you all for being here today,” Waqa said.
Waqa said the presence of journalists at the training reflected the important role of the media in the Pacific.
“Your presence is a strong testament to the important role of the media in our region to ensure that Pacific stories are told by Pacific voices, from a Pacific perspective.”
He said journalists would play an important role in informing Pacific communities about the decisions and priorities of Forum Leaders.
“As we prepare for the Leaders’ Meeting, your work alongside ours is vital in informing our people, strengthening public understanding, and bringing the priorities and decisions of the Forum closer to our very Pacific communities.”
“Your reporting not only helps to shape the views of our people, but it also informs how the global communities see and understand the Blue Pacific,” SG Waqa said.
Waqa urged journalists to use the training to strengthen their reporting and better understand the strategic issues that will be considered by Forum Leaders.
“This year’s Forum theme, Palau, Bringing Economies, Life, Action, Unity (BELAU), reflects the collective journey of our Blue Pacific.”
“It speaks to the imperative of building resilient economies, improving the lives of Pacific people, translating commitments into tangible actions, and strengthening regional unity and solidarity.”
“I therefore encourage you to use this training not only as an opportunity to strengthen your professional capabilities, but also to deepen your understanding of the strategic issues that shape the Forum Leaders’ deliberations,” Waqa said.
He said a stronger understanding of regional priorities would help journalists report accurately on the outcomes of the Leaders’ Meeting.
“A strong appreciation of our region’s priorities will help inform your reporting preparations, deepen your understanding of the Leaders’ decisions, and help advance the outcomes that Forum Leaders seek to achieve for our Blue Pacific region.”
Waqa also called on journalists to report with accuracy and integrity while reflecting the region’s cultures, traditions and shared aspirations.
“I encourage you to tell the stories of our Blue Pacific with accuracy and integrity, grounded in the rich memory of our Blue Pacific people, our peoples of our vibrant and diverse culture and traditions, and shared aspirations.”
“By doing so, you contribute to the strengthening understanding of our region, amplifying Pacific voices on issues that matter most, and reinforcing the collective identity and solidarity that define us as one Blue Pacific continent,” Waqa said.
