Suva, Fiji - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji organized a refresher on Public Finance Management and budget reporting journalists in Suva, ahead of the budget announcement and in the wake of the publication of the Fiscal Review Committee report. Recognizing the vital role of the media in Fiji in disseminating critical budget updates to citizens, the workshop aimed to enhance journalists' capacity in delivering accurate and informative reports on public finance matters. This training was strategically aligned with the upcoming announcement of the 2023-2024 national budget, empowering journalists to engage in effective reporting on public finance.

The workshop was conducted as part of the Vaka Pasifika project, a transformative initiative supported by the European Union until 2026. Vaka Pasifika aims to strengthen oversight and accountability in public finance management across the Pacific Islands by bringing together experts, decision-makers, and thought leaders to develop tailored solutions that promote transparency and effective management of public funds. By actively involving civil society, the media, and citizens in the budgetary process, the project seeks to ensure inclusivity and foster sustainable development in the Pacific region.

Distinguished panelists, who are experts in public finance, shared their insights on the current economic state of the Fiji economy and the impact of the global economic context. The journalists had an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with the panelists and seek answers to questions regarding their preparedness to cover the upcoming Fiji National Budget announcement.

Ambassador for the European Union, H.E. Sujiro Seam, noted in his introductory remarks "Participation in collective choices is the essence of Democracy. This is why Budget consultation matters, as they translate collective choices into action. In this regard, the Press has a key role to play, to inform citizens in a form which they can understand, to ask the hard questions on fiscal revenues and public expenditures.  Through Media Training, with the support from the European Union, the Vaka Pasifika project, in partnership with international and regional organizations, civil society and the media, contributes to improve public finance management throughout the Pacific.”  

"We’re honored that journalists are taking the time to reflect on how economic and fiscal issues have been covered by the media. We are hoping that this training however small, will enable media representatives to continue fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and positive change. By emphasizing the significance of visual communication and imparting essential knowledge and skills, our collective aspiration is to enrich public discourse surrounding the national budget and catalyze transformative outcomes for Fiji," said Dawn Del Rio, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative a.i. 

Through strengthening the capacity of both the media and visual storytellers, the workshop seeks to promote accountability, transparency, and public understanding of public finance management in Fiji. By enhancing journalists' ability to report on public finance matters accurately and informatively, the UNDP and its partners aim to contribute to the overall well-being and sustainable development of the Pacific region.

For more information, please contact:

Marine Destrez, Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | Email: marine.destrez@undp.org