FIJIAN Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has inaugurated a government communications conference to improve how the state interacts with its citizens.
Developed alongside the United Kingdom Government Communication Service, this initiative aims to bolster public trust and strengthen democratic participation through clearer messaging.
A major highlight of the event was the introduction of SAUTU, a specialised framework designed to protect the nation against disinformation and information.
Additionally, officials released a new guidebook to establish standardised professional practices for all government media personnel.
This partnership emphasises that reliable communication is a vital form of national infrastructure, especially as the country prepares for future elections.
Through these efforts, Fiji seeks to build a resilient information ecosystem that can withstand modern digital challenges.
“Today, I have come to tell us that the government cannot succeed if it cannot communicate. When citizens understand what the government is doing and why, they are more likely to engage, to trust, and to participate in our democracy, our mission,” Rabuka said.
Acknowledging the rapid pace of information flow, Rabuka said public trust and the quality of messaging are constantly being tested.
“Every day across the world, governments are trying to maintain trust and public confidence. Every day, we are being tested by those who seek to undermine our democracy and to change what we are communicating,” Rabuka said.
“Communication is something which we must do as well on every platform and in every community.”
Rabuka labelled SAUTU as “our shield against disinformation,” particularly in this age of information warfare and as the country approaches national elections.
“With elections on the horizon, the information environment will intensify. There are people who will try to exploit uncertainty, sow division, and undermine public confidence in our institutions. We must be ready. No need to panic. Just be ready.”
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein-Bor, said effective government communication is a life-saving infrastructure.
“Getting communication right means helping citizens understand decisions, access services, and act quickly when it matters.
“Today, Fiji is investing in that capability, building internal cross-government systems that are professional, coordinated, resilient and ready to meet the challenges of the modern information environment.”
He added that a free, safe, and independent media, along with a healthy information ecosystem, is the lifeblood of our democracies.
Hossein-Bor said the UK’s partnership with Fiji is a leading example of how international collaboration can strengthen institutions, empower communications, and uphold shared values.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership in capacity building, counter disinformation, crisis preparedness, and strategic communications planning across governments.”