LocationsVaka Pasifika Project Enhances Media Capacity in Public Finance Management at 7th Pacific Media Summit
September 26, 2024
The Vaka Pasifika/PINA Public Finance Management event at the Pacific Media Summit, also involved boosting the skills of 3 illustrators from the region.
Alofi, Niue – In a major step towards enhancing transparency and accountability across the Pacific, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vaka Pasifika Project, generously funded by the European Union, partnered with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) for the 7th Pacific Media Summit. Held from 20 to 26 September 2024 in Niue, the summit gathered 7 journalists and 3 illustrators from around the region to boost their skills in reporting on public finance management (PFM).
The strong partnership between Vaka Pasifika Project and PINA was crucial for this initiative, not only facilitating the selection and training of journalists but also in actively participating in the summit. The aim was to equip media professionals with the tools needed to report on PFM effectively, despite challenges such as limited newsroom capacity and diverse journalist specialization.
During the week-long summit, participants underwent in-depth training to improve their understanding of PFM and their ability to craft impactful stories that hold governments accountable. This year, the project focuses on developing human-centered narratives that spotlight real-life challenges faced by communities due to public finance issues.
Trainer, Ann Auman is pictured here with some of the participants of the PFM event.
Deputy News Manager for the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation and participant, Ritika Pratap said, “Understanding and reporting on public finance management is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability. The skills and insights gained here have empowered me to tackle these issues more effectively in my work.”
The summit also served as a valuable networking platform, allowing media professionals from across the Pacific to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on pressing regional issues. Illustrators played a key role by using visuals to make complex PFM topics more relatable and engaging for the public.
PFM Programme Manager, European Union (EU), Carmen Lloveres reaffirmed, “The European Union is proud to continue supporting the Vaka Pasifika Project, in this second phase, with EUR 6 million.”
“Transparency and accountability are foundational to democracies and good governance. The media play a key role in promoting transparency, citizen participation and accountability of governments in front of their voters and taxpayers. The EU is strong defender of freedom of information and believes that empowering journalists to report transparently on issues of public concern, including the management of the public finances, contributes to good governance and more resilient societies across the Pacific.”
UNDP remains dedicated to strengthening media capabilities in the Pacific through the Vaka Pasifika Project. This initiative supports local media in contributing effectively to public discourse on governance and financial accountability.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel emphasized, “At UNDP, we see a well-informed and empowered media as crucial for democracy. Our partnership with the EU and PINA, coupled with our capacity-building efforts, underscores our goal of enhancing transparent governance throughout the Pacific. By equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on PFM, we are enhancing their professional capacities and advancing the cause of transparency.”
Executive Director of PINA, Makereta Komai added, “Our partnership with the Vaka Pasifika Project reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability. The summit has provided an excellent platform for these professionals to enhance their skills, build networks, and contribute to a more informed public.”
Looking ahead, the Vaka Pasifika Project will continue working with the journalist group to develop stories on PFM that address relevant regional issues such as gender and climate change. These stories will be officially launched on International Anti-Corruption Day in December, further advancing the conversation on public finance challenges faced by Pacific communities.
For more information please contact:
Alrina Ali, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | (E) alrina.ali@undp.org
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