THE Media Masterclass, focused on enhancing regional resilience through the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac), kicked off this week in Koror, Palau, bringing together journalists, communicators, and technical experts from across the Pacific.
“This Masterclass is not just a training course; it’s a strategic investment in regional resilience. It provides the added value, facilitating coverage of the 2nd Pacific Islands DRM Ministerial Meeting,” said Toby Sharpe, Australian Ambassador to Palau, in his opening remarks.
“Australia is proud to support this initiative through the COSPPac, which has, since 2012, worked to strengthen the communication of climate, ocean and weather information at every level, from national to sub-national to community.
“COSPPac’s commitment to inclusive communication, especially with marginalised groups, is reflected in its ongoing support for media training, technical partnerships and capacity building across the region,” he said.
Sharpe said this third edition of the Media Masterclass continues that commitment, and it provides a platform for Pacific media and technical experts to collaborate on delivering science content to broader audiences more effectively, whether through print, broadcast, social media or video.
“It’s more than just about coverage; it’s also about connection. It’s about ensuring the voices of our region are heard, that our stories are told accurately and with empathy, and that communities are informed and empowered.
Strong organisational support and partnerships underpin the effectiveness of the masterclass, with the organisers successfully coordinating a multi-stakeholder event during a high-profile ministerial, showing strong operational capacity.
The operational model sets a foundation for future capacity-building initiatives in the region, with a collaborative format that strengthens ongoing partnerships and aligns efforts across sectors.
These collaborations contribute to a more resilient and informed Pacific community over time.
“Today’s masterclass builds on successful engagement models, such as the 2019 Media Masterclass held in Nouméa for the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the 2023 Pacific Ocean Science Conference in Nadi,” said Rhonda Robinson, Pacific Community’s (SPC) Director for the Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division.
“These events demonstrated the power of media-science partnerships to amplify Pacific voices, integrate traditional knowledge, and ensure that technical information is translated into accessible, actionable messages.
“We are also here to listen – to communities, to each other, and to the feedback that helps us adapt and improve.
“COSPPac’s commitment to inclusive communication, GEDSI integration, and traditional knowledge ensures that our messaging is not only scientifically sound but culturally grounded and community driven,” she said.
The Media Masterclass is held on the margins of the Second Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministerial Meeting.
This key regional platform elevates Pacific priorities to global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP), the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.