Fiji has formally put forward its proposal to host the 2026 Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Media Summit, with Savusavu being touted as the location for the event.
The announcement coincides with the ongoing 7th PINA Media Summit in Niue, where more than 70 media professionals from across the Pacific region have gathered.
Fiji’s bid is set to be evaluated this week, with a decision expected soon.
The week-long summit in Niue started with several pre-summit workshops, focusing on media challenges including the resilience of national media associations, effective coverage of public financial management, and the pressing environmental and climate issues facing the Pacific.
A key highlight of these workshops was the “Women in Media” session, with backing from The Asia Foundation. This session features over 15 participants, including representatives from Vanuatu, Solomon and Papua New Guinea media reps and Women in Media Australia, to promote greater gender representation and leadership in media across the region.
Stanley Simpson, the Fijian Media Association’s General Secretary, is among the key voices at the summit. He praised PINA’s pivotal role in steering Pacific media through challenging times. “PINA has played an essential part in helping us confront the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting geopolitical dynamics while staying true to our journalistic values,” Simpson said.
The summit, themed “Navigating Media Resilience: Press Freedoms, AI, and Geopolitical Interests,” will feature discussions on the future of media in the Pacific. Experts from around the region, including Australia and New Zealand, will share insights into how AI is shaping journalism, as well as the importance of safeguarding press freedoms.
Ahead of the summit’s official proceedings, Fijian journalists and civil society members were warmly received by Niue’s Fijian community. A traditional ceremony and communal meal were hosted at the Niue High School hall over the weekend.
Peni Rarasea, a local schoolteacher and President of the Niue Fijian Community, was enthusiastic about the rare opportunity to host visiting Fijians. “It’s not often we have the chance to welcome fellow Fijians, so this is a special moment for our community,” he said.
The summit will conclude Thursday (local time).
