The University of the South Pacific (USP) was represented at the “Cyber Crime and Online Safety Challenges in Fiji and the Pacific” workshop, with its Journalism Programme taking a central role in the panel discussion, “Talanoa with the Media.”
Dr. Shailendra Singh, Head of USP’s Journalism Program, led the panel alongside fellow panelist Stanley Simpson, a USP alumnus, and moderator Stella Taoi, who is completing her studies. The discussion addressed the need for a whole-of-nation approach to online safety, noting that legislation and enforcement alone are insufficient without national awareness campaigns, early education in schools, and strong media partnerships.
Panelists highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the law among both potential perpetrators and victims, and stressed that a coordinated national effort via media could also provide much-needed financial support to Pacific media outlets monitoring online platforms.
USP’s presence extended beyond the panel, with four other alumni participating, including former tutor and Wansolwara supervising editor-in-chief Geraldine Panapasa.
The workshop was hosted in partnership with the Fiji Online Safety Commission and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, reinforcing USP’s commitment to leading conversations on cyber safety and media responsibility in the Pacific.
